LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball's senior infield duo of Ariel Fifita and Claudia Medina were each honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Thursday, earning spots on the NFCA Division I All-Mountain Region Third Team. This is the first time since 2016 that multiple USU players earned all-region recognition, and just the seventh time overall. 
 
Fifita, a native of San Marcos, California, started all 52 games for the Aggies this season as a shortstop. She led the squad in batting average at .382 (54-for-170) while hitting leadoff in 51 games, totaling 17 doubles, three triples and nine home runs. She was responsible for 39 RBIs and a program-record 54 runs scored this year. Fifita's 65 hits rank fifth-most in program history, while her 17 doubles rank third and her 115 total bases were a program record. 
 
On the year, Fifita posted a .676 slugging percentage and a team-best .500 on-base percentage. She drew 32 walks with just eight strikeouts. In the field, Fifita led the NCAA in overall assists (159) and assists per game (3.06). She totaled 66 putouts and 159 assists with nine errors for a .962 fielding percentage. 
 
Medina, a native of West Sacramento, California, played in 51 of the team's 52 contests this year with 47 starts at second base. She ranked fourth on the squad with a .367 batting average, going 47-for-128 in the batter's box with 12 doubles, a triple and three home runs. Medina was responsible for 24 RBIs and 23 runs, posting a .547 slugging percentage and a .417 on-base percentage. She totaled 70 bases on the year and drew seven walks. 
 
In the field, Medina recorded 67 putouts and 116 assists with nine errors for a .953 fielding percentage. Her 2.27 assists per game ranked third in the Mountain West and 49th nationally. She also helped turn 12 double plays. 
 
For more information on the Utah State softball program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUSoftball, on Facebook at USUSoftball and on Instagram at ususoftball.
 
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