Razorbacks Shine in Fayetteville Regional, Lead All-Tournament Team with Seven Players
The Arkansas Razorbacks showcased their dominance during the Fayetteville Regional, making a powerful statement not only on the scoreboard but also in the post-tournament honors. They convincingly outscored their opponents 26-6 over three games and made their presence known by earning seven selections to the Regional All-Tournament Team—more than any other team in the bracket.
Headlining Arkansas’ strong showing was catcher Ryder Helfrick, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Helfrick’s outstanding performance over the weekend cemented his place as a key player for the Razorbacks. He went 6-for-11 at the plate, hitting at a remarkable .545 clip and delivering three home runs that fueled Arkansas’ offensive firepower. His total of 15 bases led all players in the regional. He also provided stability and leadership behind the plate by starting all three games.
In addition to Helfrick, several other Razorbacks were recognized for their exceptional efforts. Cam Kozeal was selected as the top second baseman, while Wehiwa Aloy secured the shortstop slot thanks in part to his powerful batting. Aloy continued his impressive season by blasting his 19th and 20th home runs during the regional, the second of which—an aggressive, tomahawk-style three-run homer—effectively put Arkansas in full control during a key game against Creighton. That hit expanded a 4-0 Razorbacks lead to 7-0, firmly swinging the momentum in Arkansas’ favor.
The Razorbacks also claimed honors at other positions. Logan Maxwell was one of the three outfielders selected, and Arkansas pitching was dominant enough to earn both starting pitcher selections: Zach Root and Gage Wood. Relief pitcher Parker Coil also earned a nod, rounding out Arkansas’ impressive presence on the team.
The full All-Tournament Team featured nine position players, two starting pitchers, and two relievers. Besides Arkansas’ seven selections, Creighton followed with four players named, while North Dakota State had two. Kansas, which failed to win a game and was eliminated early, did not have any representatives.
Here is the full All-Tournament Team:
Catcher: Ryder Helfrick – Arkansas (also named MVP)
First Base: Will MacLean – Creighton
Second Base: Cam Kozeal – Arkansas
Shortstop: Wehiwa Aloy – Arkansas
Third Base: Davis Hamilton – North Dakota State
Outfield: Nolan Sailors – Creighton
Outfield: Logan Maxwell – Arkansas
Outfield: Sam Canton – North Dakota State
Designated Hitter: Dakota Duffalo – Creighton
Starting Pitchers: Zach Root – Arkansas, Gage Wood – Arkansas
Relief Pitchers: Parker Coil – Arkansas, Ian Koosman – Creighton
Voting for the All-Tournament Team took place during the seventh inning of the final game, as media ballots were distributed while Arkansas reliever Gabe Gaeckle prepared to close out the contest. Gaeckle delivered a strong performance, striking out seven batters over three scoreless innings to seal the win and send Arkansas to the Super Regionals.
Though Arkansas largely controlled the regional, a few standout performances came from other teams. Creighton left fielder Nolan Sailors wrapped up his college career with an impressive showing. The Omaha native, who spent all four years with Creighton, went 6-for-17 (.352) in four games. He also made several standout plays in the field, including a dramatic catch to rob Arkansas’ Cam Kozeal—a fellow Omaha product—of a home run.
On the mound, Gage Wood had a strong performance for Arkansas, but it was Sailors who managed the only hit against him in the first trip through the lineup. Despite Arkansas’ pitching dominance, that hit highlighted Sailors’ tenacity and ability to compete at a high level.
Meanwhile, Creighton’s shortstop Ben North made his presence felt with the bat. He was the most productive Bluejay against Arkansas pitching, delivering both of the team’s extra-base hits in the final. His three-run homer cut into a 6-0 Arkansas lead and gave Creighton a glimmer of hope by narrowing the gap to 6-3. He also contributed a double earlier in the tournament, but it wasn’t enough to edge out Aloy for the All-Tournament shortstop spot.
The All-Tournament voting format allows only one player per infield position to be selected, making the competition for those spots even tougher. Aloy’s combination of timely hitting and consistent defense solidified his selection over North.
Now, the Razorbacks await their next opponent in the Super Regionals. They will face the winner of the Knoxville Regional, where Wake Forest forced a decisive game against Tennessee with a walk-off walk. The final matchup between those two teams is scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN2. The winner will travel to Fayetteville to play Arkansas in a best-of-three series, with the victor punching a ticket to the College World Series.
Arkansas’ balanced attack, depth in both pitching and hitting, and strong defensive presence have made them a formidable team as they move further into the postseason. With seven of their players earning All-Tournament honors, including MVP Ryder Helfrick, the Razorbacks look poised to continue their impressive run and aim for Omaha.
Their dominance in the Fayetteville Regional highlights a well-rounded team capable of winning in a variety of ways—whether it’s through power hitting, clutch pitching, or timely defense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Arkansas attempts to build on their regional success and take the next step toward a national championship.
