LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior setter Nikki Welch and junior outside hitter Kate Mitchell were American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III All-Region First Team selections in the release out Thursday.

Click here to view the complete listing of all-region teams

This is Welch's second all-region pick and, deservedly so. Welch has been in the top five in the nation in total assists all year and is currently leading the nation with 1335 on the year. Welch is fourth nationally in assists per set (10.94) and led the Pirates to a .211 team attack percentage. She was named to the All-SCAC first team and has also earned a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.

Kate Mitchell earned her first all-region pick after leading the Pirates offensively. Mitchell is in the top 50 nationally in total kills with 415 on the year. She is hitting .279 this season with 76 blocks and 155 digs and was also an All-SCAC first team pick.

"This program and staff feel blessed by the recognition of Kate and Nikki's selection to the AVCA All-Region Team," said head coach Don Flora. "It is a sign of the collective hard work of this team and a tribute to what these fantastic teammates have produced this season. We are proud to be Southwestern Pirates and stoked for Kate and Nikki."

The #7 Pirates open the NCAA Regional on Friday, facing #19 La Verne at 12:30 pm at UT Dallas in Richardson, Texas.