FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-15-00

AASU Lady Pirate Softball Ascends To No. 3 In NFCA Division II Poll

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Armstrong Atlantic State women's softball team, in just its third season of fastpitch competition, has risen to the No. 3 ranking in NCAA Division II by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in the lastest poll, released today.

The Pirates (22-1) were ranked No. 11 in the preseason poll and won their first 21 games of the 2000 season, including picking up wins over then-No. 10 Barry and No. 19 Florida Southern. The torrid start translated into the highest ever ranking for head coach Marty McDaniel's squad.

AASU trails only fellow PBAC foe Kennesaw State and Humboldt State in the rankings. Kennesaw State received six of the eight first-place votes possible and compiled 198 points. Humboldt State received two first-place votes and 193 points. The Lady Pirates collected 171 points and are just ahead of North Dakota State. Other PBAC schools in the rankings include North Florida (No. 8) and USC Spartanburg (No. 20).

The Lady Pirates return to action this weekend as they host a pair of PBAC schools in conference action. AASU hosts USC Aiken on Saturday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. and Francis Marion on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.

- Pirates -