January 25, 2012

Softball Selected to Finish Seventh in USA South Preseason Poll

Fayetteville, N.C. - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of ninth-year Head Coach Keith Parr, 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.

Meredith was selected to finish seventh in the upcoming USA South regular season.  The Avenging Angels open their season at home on February 12 as they host Division II Anderson (SC) for a double header.

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