Softball | 1/25/2012 3:37:00 PM
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Christopher Newport University was picked to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2012 softball title in the preseason coaches' poll. The Captains captured their third consecutive USA South Regular Season championship last spring. Additionally, CNU advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship game for the first time in program history.
CNU received nine of ten first-place votes (81 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting. 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.
Head coach
Ron Simpson returns depth in the field with seven starters back this year, however pitching will be a whole new ball game. The Monarchs will have to replace the power of graduate
Alex Bass but have brought in four new pitchers anxious to contribute. Methodist will kick off the 2012 season at Guilford College Feb. 19 before returning to host their Early Bird Invitational Feb. 24-25.
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 |
