May 7, 2003

BARR, JOHNSON EARN ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE HONORS

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's LaKerah Barr and Meagen Johnson were named first-team All-Southern Conference at the league's annual softball banquet Wednesday night in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Barr, a junior from Stone Mounatin, Ga., paced the Southern Conference with a .404 batting average during the regular season while ranking third in the conference in hits (63) and seventh in stolen bases (16). The centerfielder, and second-team selection a year ago, also led the Lady Paladins in runs (26), total bases (76) and on base percentage (.427)

Johnson, who holds the honor of being the only SoCon player to earn both the Pitcher of the Week and Player of the Week awards this season, placed third on the league's hitting charts with a .377 batting average. The Georgetown, S.C., native belted a team-leading four home runs, while compiling 11 doubles and 20 RBI on the season. Johnson also slugged a club-leading .585 despite striking out only 15 times in 130 at bats.

The Lady Paladins open play in the 2003 Southern Conference Tournament with a 2:30 p.m. contest Thursday against Chattanooga at Frost Stadium.

2003 Softball All-Conference

First Team
P-Rachel Stern, College of Charleston
P-Amber Watson, UNCG
1B-Meagen Johnson, Furman
2B-Brooke Flowers, College of Charleston
3B-Jessica Schwartzkopf, College of Charleston
SS-Jennifer Hubbard, UNCG
C-Jennifer Reed, Chattanooga
OF-Amanda Cone, College of Charleston
OF-Janine Sprague, East Tennessee State
OF-LaKerah Barr, Furman
DP-Penny Thompson, UNCG

Second Team
P-Awbrey Winckler, Chattanooga
P-Tiffany McVay, East Tennessee State
1B-Lael Rorie, Appalachian State
2B-Jennifer Aguilar, UNCG
3B-Melissa Ramirez, Chattanooga
SS-Jacquie Rothey, College of Charleston
C-Jessica Lonsinger, East Tennessee State
OF-Keyta Lawson, College of Charleston
OF-Danielle Spetar, East Tennessee State
OF-Tiffany Lindemann, UNC Wilmington
DP-Melissa Creeger, College of Charleston

Player of the Year
Jennifer Hubbard, UNCG

Pitcher of the Year
Rachel Stern, College of Charleston

Freshman of the Year
Jennifer Reed, Chattanooga

Coach of the Year
Chandelle Schulte, College of Charleston