Tuesday, January 18, 2005
SAINTS PICKED TO WIN SSAC SOFTBALL TITLE
Dahlonega, Ga. - The North Georgia College & State University softball team is the preseason favorite to win their fourth consecutive conference title in the Southern States Athletic Conference preseason softball poll released yesterday by conference officials.
With 105 points, and eight of the 10 possible first place votes, the Saints look to win their fourth straight conference championship under head coach Mike Davenport. Last season, North Georgia finished 10th in the nation and won 48 games with only 13 losses and posted a 26-2 record in the conference. The Saints have also won the past two conference tournament championships as well.
Picked to finish second are SSAC newcomers Lee University with 94 points and two first place votes. The Lady Flames advanced to the NAIA National Tournament and finished the season with a 33-27 overall record. Georgia Southwestern State University finished last season in third place and are picked third with 77 points. The Lady Canes finished last season with a 36-24 record and a 21-7 mark in the conference.
Faulkner University takes the fourth spot with 73 points. The Lady Eagles finished last season tied for third in the conference with a 33-24-1 overall record and a 19-9 conference mark. Rounding out the top-five is Brewton-Parker College in fifth place with 58 points. The Lady Barons were tied for third in the conference last year and finished the season with a 34-16 record and 19-9 record.
Southern Wesleyan University and Shorter College take the sixth and seventh spot with 44 and 39 points each. Emmanuel College had 29 points and is picked to finish eighth in the conference, while first year program Reinhardt College is picked to finish ninth with 25 points. Brenau University took 15 points for tenth place.
The preseason poll is selected by the Southern States Athletic Conference softball coaches.
The Saints season kicks off on February 16 against Claflin University at 1:00 p.m. for the first doubleheader of the season.
2005 SSAC Preseason Coaches Poll
School - Points
1. North Georgia(8) 105
2. Lee(2) 94
3. Georgia Southwestern 77
4. Faulkner 73
5. Brewton-Parker 58
6. Southern Wesleyan 44
7. Shorter 39
8. Emmanuel 29
9. Reinhardt 25
10. Brenau 15
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