NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Christopher Newport University softball squad earned the top spot in the USA South preseason coaches poll released today. The Captains received nine first place votes (81 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams.
The Captains, under head coach
Keith Parr, won their third consecutive USA South regular season championship last season. They also advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship game for the first time in program history.
Last year's USA South pitcher of the year,
Whitney Haller, returns to the Captains as well as last season's Rookie of the Year,
Candice Zollars. Also back are 2011 USA South second team selections Jennifer Falin and
Kristina McLaughlin.
Greensboro College finished second in the balloting as The Pride received 68 points and the final first-place vote while the defending USA South Tournament Champions, Shenandoah University, placed third in the poll with 66 points. Rounding out the top-half of the poll was Ferrum College and Methodist University with 61 and 47 points, respectfully.
The 2012 USA South Softball Tournament will once again be played at Springwood Park in Burlington, North Carolina on April 13-15.
|
2012 USA South Softball Coaches Poll |
|
Rank |
Institution (1st Place Votes) |
Pts. |
|
1. |
Christopher Newport (9) |
81 |
|
2. |
Greensboro (1) |
68 |
|
3. |
Shenandoah |
66 |
|
4. |
Ferrum |
61 |
|
5. |
Methodist |
47 |
|
6. |
Averett |
36 |
|
7. |
Meredith |
33 |
|
8. |
Peace |
30 |
|
9. |
N.C. Wesleyan |
19 |
|
10. |
Mary Baldwin |
9 |
