Marshall University Athletics
Sydni Burko and Bella Gerlach Named to 2026 NFCA All-Region Teams
5/14/2026 1:00:00 PM | Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Marshall Softball's Sydni Burko and Bella Gerlach have been named NFCA Mid-Atlantic Third Team All-Region members.
For the full NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region list, view HERE.
Burko - the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Softball Player of the Year - earns her first NFCA All-Region award. The sophomore has set Marshall's single-season home run record this year with 21 and counting. She finished as the league's leader in slugging percentage (.812) and total bases (136).
The Ona native has had 18 multi-hit games, including three games with three hits. She had 12 multi-RBI games, including three games with three and two games with four runs driven in. Her 13-game hitting streak was the longest by a Marshall player this season, as was her 23-game reaching base streak. In four games against Top-5 competition, Burko hit three home runs with a .583 average in those games.
A NFCA All-Region member in 2024, Gerlach has had a resurgent 2026 season after redshirting in 2025. The Corydon, Indiana native has hit 14 home runs this season, which ranks tied for 7th in the SBC. Gerlach has two multi-home run games in 2026 with a total of 33 runs driven in. Gerlach has eclipsed 100 total bases for the season with a .613 slugging percentage. Bella had 10 multi-RBI games with a four RBI contest this season.
Gerlach is one of eight MUSB players to hit 29 or more home runs in their career. She is eligible to return next season with the granted redshirt a season ago.
For all the latest information about Marshall Softball, follow @HerdSB on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!
