Softball Tabbed Second In C-USA Preseason Coaches' Poll
January 17, 2008 | Softball
Jan. 17, 2008
IRVING, Texas - The East Carolina softball team, which placed second in both the regular season and the C-USA Tournament a year ago, was selected to finish second in 2008, according to a release by the league on Wednesday. Junior Jessica Johnson and sophomore Charina Sumner earned preseason All-C-USA honors as the Pirates were one of four squads to have two players named to the team.
Johnson, a 2007 All-C-USA First Team selection, led the Pirates and C-USA in home runs last year with 17. That marks the second-highest single season total in program history. The Laguna Nigel, Calif. native also led the squad and C-USA in total bases. In addition to her C-USA First Team honors, Johnson was named to the C-USA All-Tournament Team, C-USA All-Academic Team and the NCCSIA All-State Team.
Sumner, selected to the 2007 C-USA Second Team, All-Freshman Team and All-Tournament Team, paced the Pirates in numerous offensive categories including runs, hits, triples, stolen bases, plate appearances, at bats, starts and games played. Her nine triples also led C-USA and marked the highest single season total in school history. Additionally, Sumner was the only member of the squad to play and start all 60 contests.
Defending C-USA Champion Houston was tabbed as the preseason favorite for the third-consecutive season. UCF, whom ECU defeated in the C-USA Tournament semifinals a year ago, was selected third, followed by Tulsa and Marshall.
After beginning practice last week, the Pirates will jumpstart their 2008 campaign on Feb. 8 at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, facing off against in-state rival North Carolina. Head Coach Tracey Kee welcomes back seven starters and 15 letterwinners from last season's squad.
2008 C-USA Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Houston
2. East Carolina
3. UCF
4. Tulsa
5. Marshall
2008 Preseason All-Conference Team
Rachel Folden, Sr., C, Marshall
Jessica Valis, Jr., IF, Houston
Breanne Javier, Jr., IF, UCF
Sara Dyer, Sr., IF, Tulsa
Jessica Johnson, Jr., IF, East Carolina
Samantha Rodriguez, Sr., IF, Marshall
Megan Hill, So., OF, Southern Miss
Katie Bush, Jr., OF, Houston
Ashley Ellis, So., OF, UTEP
Charina Sumner, So., OF, East Carolina
Angel Shamblin, Sr., P, Houston
Allison Kime, Sr., P, UCF
Leila Dolfo, Jr. UTL, Memphis
Jackie Lawrence, So., DP, Tulsa
