KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its all-region teams Thursday, with five Lady Vols earning Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors. Sage Mardjetko and Karlyn Pickens were named to the first team, while Ella Dodge, Sophia Knight and Alannah Leach earned third-team accolades.
The All-Region awards recognize softball student-athletes from the NFCA’s 10 regions with first-, second- and third-team selections. NFCA member head coaches in each respective region nominated student-athletes and voted on the teams. All honorees are now eligible for the 2026 NFCA Division I All-America squads.
Sage Mardjetko • P • Jr. • Lemont, Illinois
Mardjetko has been dominant in the circle this season, posting a league-best 0.96 ERA and a 12-2 record. In 26 appearances, she has recorded a career-high 150 strikeouts across 109.1 innings pitched. During SEC play, the junior owns a conference-best 1.07 ERA with a 6-1 mark and 64 strikeouts in 59.0 innings. She also threw the first no-hitter of her career on Feb. 22 against Southern Illinois Salukis. This marks her first NFCA All-Region honor.
Karlyn Pickens • P • Sr. • Weaverville, North Carolina
Pickens earned her third career NFCA All-Region selection. The senior right-hander owns a 1.52 ERA overall and a 1.79 ERA in conference play. She has totaled 157 strikeouts in 28 appearances this season, including 84 against SEC opponents. Pickens ranks fourth in the conference in ERA and seventh in strikeouts while leading the nation in hits allowed per seven innings at 3.22.
Ella Dodge • INF • R-So. • Bradenton, Florida
Dodge set career-high marks in average (.315), runs (42), doubles (12), home runs (11) and RBIs (46) en route to earning her first NFCA All-Region accolade. The redshirt sophomore started all 52 games for the Lady Vols, entering the 2026 postseason. Dodge owns a 1.093 OPS with 11 stolen bases.
Sophia Knight • OF • Jr. • Huntington Beach, California
Knight led Tennessee with a .420 batting average in 2026 as she earned her third NFCA All-Region honor. A transfer, she has provided stability for the Lady Vols at the top of the order, scoring 38 runs with 60 hits and eight doubles. Knight leads the team with 13 stolen bases.
Alannah Leach • OF • Jr. • The Woodlands, Texas
Leach enjoyed a breakout junior campaign, batting .330 overall and .339 in SEC play. She led the Lady Vols with 12 home runs, including seven in conference action, while setting career highs in nearly every offensive category. Leach played in 53 games with 38 starts, totaling 27 runs scored, 37 hits and 23 RBIs to go along with a .670 slugging percentage and .419 on-base percentage. This marks her first all-region accolade.
Since 1997, the Lady Vols have produced 98 All-Region selections from 53 different student-athletes.
Tennessee opens NCAA tournament play at home this weekend, hosting the Knoxville Regional for the 21st consecutive year at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols welcome Virginia, Indiana and Northern Kentucky to the postseason showcase. UT opens regional play against the Norse on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET.
