UHV's Blinka, Sayas named to NFCA All-Region teams

UHV's Claire Blinka swings at a pitch during a Red River Athletic Conference game against Jarvis Christian at the Victoria Youth Sports Complex on Friday, March 14, 2025. (Hayli Nichols/UHV Athletics)
UHV's Claire Blinka swings at a pitch during a Red River Athletic Conference game against Jarvis Christian at the Victoria Youth Sports Complex on Friday, March 14, 2025. (Hayli Nichols/UHV Athletics)
May 27, 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On Friday, May 23, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its NAIA All-Region teams.

The University of Houston-Victoria had two players selected in senior first baseman Claire Blinka and junior pitcher Audrie Sayas after helping the Jaguars (29-23) reach their 10th NAIA Tournament appearance.

Blinka was a first team All-Region I selection while Sayas was named to the second team for Region I. It's the second consecutive All-Region selection for Blinka.

"I'm incredibly proud to see Audrie and Claire recognized on the All-Region teams," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "They were both huge contributors to our success this year and to be selected within such a tough region is reflective of that."

Blinka, a Port Lavaca native, put together a career year in her final year with the Jaguars.

She led the team with a slash line of .424/.468/.779, 48 RBIs, 16 doubles, 13 home runs and three triples. Her marks for batting average, home runs and doubles were all career-highs.

Her 183 games played ranks fourth all-time at UHV. Her career batting average of .388 ranks fifth all-time. She ranks second all-time in home runs with 26 and doubles with 50. She owns the all-time record for multi-hit games with 60 in her five years at UHV.

"This is an amazing honor," Blinka said. "I've been blessed with such a great support system that has helped make all of this possible. This year, I especially wanted to end every game knowing I gave everything I had for my team and coaches that work just as hard for me."

Sayas was a staple in the pitching rotation for the Jaguars this season.

The Harlingen native tossed 119 innings with a team-leading 69 strikeouts, 11 wins, two saves and a 3.18 ERA in 28 appearances. She boasted a 1.34 WHIP and hurled 10 complete games to her credit.

"Receiving the award makes me feel seen as an athlete," Sayas said. "I feel incredibly grateful that other people saw how hard I worked as an athlete, especially as a transfer in my first year at UHV."

Click here to see the full list of the NFCA All-Region teams.