April 17, 2008

ROCK HILL, SC - The 2008 Co-Champion Carson-Newman Lady Eagle Softball Team received many recognitions by the the South Atlantic Conference today with the announcement of the 2008 SAC Softball All-Conference Team and Award Winners. The Lady Eagles received five All-Conference selections, including senior pitcher Zoe Heim being named to the First Team, and nine Softball Statistical Champion awards.

In addition to being selected to the First Team, Heim was named the Softball Statistical Champion in both the Earned Run Average (1.01) and Strikeouts Per Game (9.53) categories.

Joining Heim in individual honors included four other players on the All-Conference squad and one player receiving a Statistical Champion Award. Receiving Second Team honors was Pitcher Stephanie Templeton (Sophomore, Ringgold, Ga.), Second Baseman Whitney Hickam (Senior, Knoxville, Tenn.), Third Baseman Mandy Stevens (Senior, Knoxville, Tenn.), and Outfielder Whitney Kee (Freshman, Knoxville, Tenn.). Jessie Howard (Sophomore, Knoxville, Tenn.) was named the Softball Statistical Champion in Stolen Bases Per Game (.920).

As a team, the Lady Eagles received six Softball Statistical Champions awards in the following categories: On-Base Percentage (.418), Runs Scored Per Game (6.31), RBIs Per Game (5.65), Stolen Bases Per Game (2.1), Earned Run Average (1.11), and Strikeouts Per Game (9.07).

The SAC All-Conference teams are selected by the head coaches, while award winners are based on performance in conference play throughout the spring.

The Lady Eagles will continue in SAC Tournament action with a match-up against the Lady Railsplitters of Lincoln-Memorial University Friday, April 18, at 11:45 am at Newberry College.

2008 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE SOFTBALL AWARD WINNERS

FIRST TEAM

Catcher - Kristina Osborn, Mars Hill
Pitcher - Meredith O'Connor, Lenoir-Rhyne
Pitcher - Zoe Heim, Carson-Newman
First Base - Leah Krohn, Lenoir-Rhyne
Second Base - Noel Belk, Lenoir-Rhyne
Shortstop - Kat Rivers, Lenoir-Rhyne
Third Base - Sara Henn, Lincoln Memorial *
Third Base, Hallie Pettigrew, Wingate *
Outfield - Natalie Haithcox, Mars Hill
Outfield - Taylor Queen, Lenoir-Rhyne
Outfield - Brittany Cherry, Lenoir-Rhyne
Utility - Sara Powell, Newberry

SECOND TEAM

Catcher - Karie Pushard, Lenoir-Rhyne
Pitcher - Brittany Blankenship, Wingate
Pitcher - Stephanie Templeton, Carson-Newman
First Base - Ashley Seawell, Mars Hill
Second Base - Whitney Hickam, Carson-Newman
Shortstop - Ashley Basilicato, Tusculum
Third Base - Mandy Stevens, Carson-Newman
Outfield - Jackie Adams, Lincoln Memorial *
Outfield - Whitney Kee, Carson-Newman *
Outfield - Heather Winchester, Wingate *
Outfield - LaRonda McClain, Wingate *
Utility - Mira McPeek, Lincoln Memorial
* tie

COACH OF THE YEAR - Shena Hollar, Lenoir-Rhyne
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR - Natalie Haithcox, Mars Hill
PITCHER OF THE YEAR - Meredith O'Connor, Lenoir-Rhyne
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Sara Henn, Lincoln Memorial
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE - Kristina Osborn, Mars Hill

SOFTBALL STAT CHAMPIONS

Sara Henn, Lincoln Memorial, Batting Average, .500; Slugging Percentage, .910; On-Base Percentage, .560; Home Runs Per Game, .290
Jackie Adams, Lincoln Memorial, Runs Scored Per Game, 1.09; Triples Per Game, .09
Alisa Burk, Lincoln Memorial, Doubles Per Game, .47
Natalie Haithcox, Mars Hill, RBIs P e r Game, 1.24
Jessie Howard, Carson-Newman, Stolen Bases Per Game, .920
Zoe Heim, Carson-Newman, Earned Run Average, 1.01; Strikeouts Per Game, 9.53
Meredith O'Connor, Lenoir-Rhyne, Pitching Victories, 28
Lenoir-Rhyne, Batting Average, .334; Slugging Percentage, .508; Home Runs Per Game, .84
Carson-Newman, On-Base Percentage, .418; Runs Scored Per Game, 6.31; RBIs Per Game, 5.65; Stolen Bases Per Game, 2.1; Earned Run Average, 1.11; Strikeouts Per Game, 9.07

SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE SENIOR AWARDS: Carson-Newman

Zoe Heim
Whitney Hickam
Mandy Stevens