January 24, 2003

FOUR LADY PALADINS NAMED PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- The Southern Conference has announced its 2003 softball preseason all-league teams. The two 11-member squads are selected by the leaguešs head coaches.Seven schools were represented on the teams, with both Chattanooga and Furman placing three members apiece on the first team.

The Lady Paladins' Rachel Henley (P), LaKerah Barr (OF), and Meagen Johnson (U) were first team selections. Catcher Jessica Matthews, a first team all-league pick last season, was named to the second team.

Henley posted a 14-11 record an 2.38 ERA last season in 147.0 innings of work. Barr, who started the season at third base before moving to center field, batted .336 with two home runs and 14 RBI. The Stone Mountain, Ga., native led Furman with 17 stolen bases.

Johnson, who plays first base when not on the mound, batted .284 and clubbed three homers in only 67 at bats as a freshman. She recorded a 7-9 record and 3.59 ERA as a pitchers. Matthews, a native of Homestead, Fla., led the Lady Paladins in average (.338), doubles (9) and slugging percentage (.446).

Furman, 24-24 overall and 11-10 in Southern Conference play in 2002, opens its 2003 season hosting Gardner-Webb in the Lady Paladin Invitational on February 15.

2003 SoCon Preseason SoCon All-League Team
First Team
P Awbrey Winckler, UTC
P Rachel Henley, Furman
C Christine Sweeney, UNCG
1B Jada Pescatore, UTC
2B Brooke Flowers, CofC
SS Kim Griffin, GSU
3B Penny Thompson, UNCG
OF LaKerah Barr, Furman
OF Paige Cochrane, UTC
OF Tiffany Lindemann, UNCW
U Meagen Johnson, Furman

Second Team
P Tiffany McVay, ETSU
P Carla Shepherd, CofC
C Jessica Matthews, Furman
1B Chrissy Freaney, UNCW
2B Jennifer Aguilar, UNCG
SS Mary Beth Hazelwood, ETSU
3B Melissa Ramirez, UTC
OF Kim Benningfield, UNCG
OF Amanda Cone, CofC
OF Danielle Spetar, ETSU
U Jennifer Hubbard, UNCG