PELLA—Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS) was selected to the NFCA Division III Region IX Team for the third year in a row to highlight the honorees for the Central College softball team.
           
Bach and catcher Rylee Dunkin (sophomore, Hamilton, Twin Cedars HS) were both first team picks. Right fielder Mariah Parton (junior, Ankeny) was a second team choice. Pitcher Emma Beck (junior, Holland, Grundy Center HS) and designated player Alexa Anderson (senior, Mount Ayr) were both tabbed for the third team. Central had more selections than any other school in the region.
           
Bach was also a first-team pick in 2024 and a second-team choice in 2023. The shortstop leads the team with .432 batting average and 37 runs scored.
           
Dunkin is hitting .365 as the team's primary catcher. She leads the Dutch with 30 stolen bases while scoring 33 runs and driving in 18.
           
Parton is hitting .396 with 33 runs scored and 20 driven in. She leads the team with five triples while also stealing 19 bases.
           
Beck was 15-6 in the circle before missing most of the last few weeks due to injury. She struck out 56 batters and threw a no-hitter to beat Buena Vista University on April 8.
           
Anderson led the team with 34 RBI and 10 extra-base hits while recording a .366 batting average. She has seven doubles and three home runs.
           
Central has a 26-12 record and is competing in an NCAA Division III Regional in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Dutch are making a record 33rd NCAA tourney appearance.
           
Players from the NFCA's 10 regions were honored. The NFCA All-America squads will be announced May 28 at the NCAA Division III Finals in Bloomington, Illinois.