AASU Softball Picked Fifth In PBC Preseason Poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1-25-08

AASU Softball Picked Fifth In PBC Preseason Poll; Three Named To Team

SAVANNAH, Ga. (January 25) – The 2008 Armstrong Atlantic State softball squad has been picked to finish fifth in a preseason poll of the league's coaches, released today by conference officials. Three Pirates were named to the league's preseason All-Conference team, tying for the most among league schools.

The Pirates, who advanced to the NCAA South Atlantic Region final for the third time in program history, received 54 points in the poll. Defending PBC champion Columbus State has been picked to repeat, garnering six first-place votes and 73 points total. North Georgia was picked second with two first-place votes and 67 points, while GCSU was picked third with two first-place votes and 59 points. Augusta State (59) comes in ahead of AASU, while Francis Marion (48) is picked sixth, USC Aiken (35) is picked seventh, UNC Pembroke (22) eighth, Lander (20) ninth and Georgia Southwestern (9) tenth.

Senior Natalie Vogler was named as the preseason All-PBC second baseman after her All-Conference and All-Region campaign a year ago, while senior Kari Marsico was named to the team as an outfielder and sophomore Nicole Huddleston was named as the utility/designated player. AASU opens the 2008 season on February 1 at the Claflin Invitational.

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