LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released their all-region teams, with junior catcher Samantha Gutierrez of ENMU Softball being named to the South-Central Region Second Team, the organization announced this afternoon.

Gutierrez is the fifth Greyhound to receive all-region recognition from the NFCA, and the second in the era of head coach Amanda Fefel after Mikenzey Patterson claimed second team all-region honors in 2023. In their first season with the Greyhounds, the San Diego, Calif. native was named to the Lone Star Conference First Team at the catcher position.

Playing in all 52 games for the Greyhounds, Gutierrez logged a team best .379 batting average, .699 slugging percentage, and 17 doubles. Additionally, the junior provided 58 hits (2^nd on team), 10 home runs (3^rd on team), and 45 RBIs (3^rd on team). Defensively, the Greyhound catcher caught 18 runners stealing (leading the LSC) while holding the .673 stolen base allowed percentage (lowest in conference among catcher).

Around the conference, Gutierrez stands in the top-10 in several categories: batting average (7^th), slugging percentage (4^th), hits (10^th), RBIs (9^th), doubles (5^th), and home runs (10). In terms of ENMU record books, Gutierrez' season stands out in several categories. Their 17 doubles are tied for second most in a single season, only trailing the program record 19 doubles from Rachel Mohler in 2000. Additionally, the 2024 season for Gutierrez ranks in the top-10 in single season history for slugging percentage (8^th), home runs (T-10^th), and RBIs (10^th). Throwing out 18 runners on the bases is tied 3^rd most all-time in a single season.

NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated their student-athletes and voted for the teams. All the honorees are now eligible for the 2024 NFCA Division II All-America squads' selection.