Blinn College third baseman Kimber Cortemelia (Lake Jackson) recently was named to the 2019 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I All-Region Midwest second team.

A sophomore, Cortemelia tied for third in the Region XIV South Division in RBIs (49) and tied for fourth in batting average (.422). She also was named the 2019 Region XIV South Division Player of the Year.

"Kimber was a transfer this season, but quickly adapted and became a leader for our team," said Rick Church, Blinn head coach. "She led on the field in a lot of offensive categories and did a solid job on third base defensively. She was also great teammate and accomplished so much in her one year here."

Cortemelia shared Blinn's lead in hits with 73 and doubles with 16, and was second on the team in runs with 49. She led the team in on-base percentage (.490) and slugging percentage (.613) to help the Buccaneers record a program-best 23-1 conference record for a Region XIV South Division Championship. In addition, Cortemelia received first-team all-conference and all-region honors.

"It feels incredible to be honored with such a prestigious award. It would not have been possible without all of my teammates who pushed me and were my rock to lean on the whole season," Cortemelia said.

The Buccaneers concluded the season with a 44-15 overall record and a No. 17 national ranking.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.