Storm Lake Times Pilot

Buena Vista softball players Guyett, Miller selected to NFCA all-region team

Guyett second team, Miller third team

Buena Vista senior Carlee Guyett and junior Ashtyn Miller were each recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association by landing spots on this year’s NFCA All-Region Team.

Guyett, who was a first team selection as a freshman in 2018, was named to this year’s second team as an outfielder. She turned in yet another stellar season on the diamond by hitting .362 and finishing ranked in the top 10 of the region in slugging percentage (.654), stolen bases (23), total bases (83), hits (46) and home runs (seven).

Guyett recorded 12 multi-hit games, including five three-hit outings and became the program’s all-time leader in doubles with 43, including 14 this season. She was also a force to deal with on the bases by swiping a school single-season record of 23 bases in 27 total attempts. Guyett not only got the job done on the offensive side, but was also a standout defender by posting a fielding percentage of .935 and committing only five errors in nearly 80 stolen chances. She also recorded one assist.

“Carlee had another standout year at the plate as our solid leadoff all season and successfully secured the career doubles record at BVU,” BVU coach Mandie Nocita said. “She also secured the single-season stolen base record and was a major contributor to the teams record of most stolen bases in a season. In the outfield, she highlighted with not only speed to run down balls but grit with a memorable play stealing a home run. She was an all-region selection her freshman year as a catcher, so it’s pretty special for her to have another all-region selection at a different position in the outfield.”

Miller had herself a career-year both in the circle and at the plate and was recognized for that play by being voted as a third team utility selection on this year’s all-region team. She led BVU with nine wins and pitched a team-leading 119 innings. Miller’s 121 strikeouts were 10th-most in the region while her strikeouts per seven innings (7.1) was also 10th.

Miller was equally as tough with the bat as she was inside the circle for the Beavers. She ended her third season by hitting a career-high .312 and was a major power threat right in the middle of the lineup. Miller belted three home runs, had three triples and also posted eight doubles for the Beavers.

“Ashtyn’s contribution to her team went way beyond the numbers,” Nocita said. “Her statistical categories showed major strengths as a player, but her biggest strength was her ability to compete in whatever role was needed for her team. She was an outstanding pitcher for us in the circle, reaching the 100-K club in strikeouts and only left the 4-hole of the hitting lineup once all season, and that was to be moved into the 3. She was the ultimate team player and competitor.”

Guyett and Miller were among 14 players from the American Rivers Conference that were named to one of the three teams.