AASU Baseball Picked Sixth In PBC Preseason Poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1-24-08

AASU Baseball Picked Sixth In PBC Preseason Poll; Wilson Earns Honor

SAVANNAH, Ga. (January 24) – The Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad has been picked to finish sixth in a preseason poll of the league's coaches, released today by Peach Belt Conference officials. The league also announced a first-ever preseason All-PBC team and sophomore second baseman Josh Wilson was named to the team.

The Pirates are coming off the school's first Peach Belt Conference tournament title, as well as their 12th NCAA Championships appearance in the last 20 seasons, but have to deal with the loss of seven starters from last year's 39-23 squad. Columbus State, who advanced to the NCAA Championship game last season, received six first place votes and 77 points total as the preseason pick to capture the league. Defending PBC regular season champion GCSU was picked second with 64 points, followed by North Georgia (59), USC Aiken (58) and Francis Marion (56). The Pirates were next with 52 points, followed by Augusta State (30), UNC Pembroke (25), Lander (20) and Georgia Southwestern (9).

Wilson hit .360 with eight home runs and 56 RBI as a freshman last year, ranking among the top 10 in the PBC in several offensive categories. He also was named the PBC Tournament MVP in AASU's championship run last season. AASU opens the 2008 schedule on Friday, February 1, with a 2:00 p.m. contest against No. 3-ranked Florida Southern.

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