Helton was named to the Midwest Region's first team as an at-large pick, while Khyia Lewis (So., Ottumwa, Ottumwa HS) garnered second-team recognition as an outfielder.  It is Helton's third first-team all-region honor from the NFCA, while Lewis is a first-time honoree.

Ending her collegiate career as the school's all-time leader in numerous offensive categories, Helton helped Penn to a 44-13 record (16-6 MCC) and an appearance in the MCC Tournament Championship Game.

Helton, the Midwest Collegiate Conference's Player of the Year, paced the Lady Statesmen in batting average (.458), hits (77), doubles (19), home runs (14), RBIs (56), runs (46), walks (29), slugging percentage (.821), and on-base percentage (.537).

The first baseman struck out just 12 times in 168 at-bats and owned five four-game hitting streaks, including a season-high 11-game streak to open the year. Helton had 22 multiple-hit showings, including a season-best four hits twice. She recorded a season-high four RBIs three times.

Lewis, who was a first-team all-MCC performer, hit .387 with 63 hits, 17 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 30 RBIs, and 30 runs scored. She tallied five defensive assists from her position.

The sophomore had two hitting streaks of ten games or more, including a team high of 14 games. She had 17 multiple-hit showings, including a campaign-best four against Waldorf on April 14.

The Midwest Collegiate Conference had several other honorees as Grand View's Emily Gilbert and Meghan Tomlinson, Mount Mercy's Rosie Jones, Iowa Wesleyan's Leigha Strong, and Waldorf's Andrea Blanchard joined Helton on the first team. Becca Smith and Liz Hill of Mount Mercy, Megan Tompkins of Grand View, and Jennifer McLarney of Waldorf were all named to the second team.

For a complete list of the NFCA's All-Region teams, click here