Softball Awards Announced

April 15, 2004 – The USA South Athletic Conference has announced its All-Conference awards for baseball.  Christopher Newport led the way with five All-Conference members, followed closely by Greensboro and Averett with four apiece.  Chowan's Nick Hagler is the Player of the Year, while GC's AnDrew Keever is the Pitcher of the Year.  N.C. Wesleyan's Mark Wooten has been named the Rookie of the Year and Curtis Taylor from Ferrum is the Rookie Pitcher of the Year.  Panther coach Abe Naff is the 2004 USA South Coach of the Year. 

Hagler, a junior from Timberlake, NC, led the league in hits, stolen bases, runs scored and home runs.  He batted .444 with 32 RBI on the season.  The outfielder stole 34 bases, scored 52 runs and had nine home runs.  He has been named to the Second Team All-Conference the past two years and is First Team this year.  The Braves finished 18-19 overall and 8-13 in the USA South. 

A sophomore from Annapolis, MD, Keever posted a 6-2 record and 44 strikeouts this season.  He was 4-2 in Conference play.   His 1.91 ERA earned him First Team All-Conference honors.  The Pride finished 8-13 in the USA South and 20-15 overall. 

Wooten, a freshman from Nashville, NC played a key role in the Bishops finishing fourth in the regular season with a 21-15 overall record and 10-11 in the Conference.  The first baseman hit .384 with 31 RBI on the year.  He also posted a .976 fielding percentage.

A freshman from Glen Allen, VA, Taylor helped lead the Panthers to a regular season title.  He was 6-2 on the mound.  He posted a 3.25 ERA with 60 strikeouts for the year.  Ferrum finished 24-8 overall, including going 16-5 in USA South action. 

2004 marks the fourth time Naff has been recognized as the Conference Coach of the Year.  He is in his 19th year at Ferrum.  The Panthers won the regular season title after going 16-5 in the Conference and 24-8 overall.

The 2004 USA South Baseball All-Conference Teams follow:

First Team 1B -  Tyler Daniel, Shenandoah 2B -  Vondell Johnson, Averett 3B -  Brian Massey, N.C. Wesleyan SS -  David Jenkins, Shenandoah C -    Kevin Griffin, Ferrum DH - Thomas Meeks, Ferrum Util - Jesse Bowles, Ferrum OF - Eddie Guessford, Averett          Nick Hagler, Chowan          Jeremy Morrison, Greensboro P -    AnDrew Keever, Greensboro          Gene Yost, Averett

Second Team 1B -  Kevin Mong, Greensboro 2B -  Chad Alligood, Greensboro 3B -  Brandon Howlin, Chowan SS -  Matt Lewellen, Christopher Newport C -    Mike Arvizo, Shenandoah DH -  Gene Yost, Averett Util -  William Squires, Chowan OF -  Brandon Hale, Ferrum          Josh Lipford, N.C. Wesleyan          Jason Moody, Christopher Newport P -    Eben Brower, Christopher Newport          Carlos Sanchez, Ferrum