Two USU Softball Players Named to Preseason College Sports Madness Teams

Two Utah State [University] softball players have been named to the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Mountain West teams. Junior pitcher/designated player Alleyah Armendariz was selected for the utility spot on the College Sports Madness first team, while senior pitcher Noelle Johnson earned the pitcher spot on the second team.

Joining the Aggies as a transfer last season, Armendariz made an immediate impact, earning second-team all-Mountain West accolades. With 12 home runs, she tied the individual single-season record. As the team's home run leader, Armendariz helped the Aggies break the team single-season record, ending the year with 40. With her powerful batting, she ended the season ranked third in the league in home runs and was eighth in slugging percentage at .624. Armendariz also pitched for the Aggies, seeing time on the mound in 25 games.

Johnson was named first-team all-Mountain West last year, as she was recognized for her efforts both in the circle and at the plate. She started 30 games on the mound for the Aggies, while seeing time in 40 games and finishing the season with a 16-16 record. She ended the season ranked third in the Mountain West in both total strikeouts with 131 and innings pitched with 206.1. She was also ranked 10th in the league with a 4.04 ERA. Offensively, Johnson added a lot of power to the batting order, hitting .340 on the season. She was fourth in the league with a .704 slugging percentage and ranked sixth in doubles with 15, leading the team in both categories.

College Sports Madness selected UNLV senior shortstop Garie Blando as the preseason Field Player of the Year, and Fresno State senior Jill Compton as the Pitcher of the Year. Additionally, San Diego State pitcher Juliana McDonald is the organization's choice for Newcomer of the Year, while Aztec head coach Kathy Van Wyk is the preseason Coach of the Year.

Utah State returns six starters to the field this season in Armendariz, Johnson, sophomore catcher Brina Buttacavoli, senior outfielder Sarah Chow, junior first baseman Paxton Provost and junior infielder Victoria Saucedo. Joining them are three additional letterwinners, while the team looks to replace five graduated seniors. The Aggies also welcome 11 newcomers to the roster with four freshmen and seven transfer players.

USU will open the season at the Kajikawa Classic, hosted by Arizona State, Feb. 11-14. The first action of the year will be against Virginia Thursday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. That weekend, the Aggies will also play Arizona State, Cal State Northridge, Indiana, Bradley and Maryland. Utah State will play in three additional preseason tournaments before opening the head-to-head season against Utah Valley Tuesday, March 15.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, on Facebook or on Instagram. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

Additional Aggie sports news is available at the Athletics website.