Carson-Newman Opens SAC Play on Saturday Against Catawba
March 20, 2009
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- The Carson-Newman softball team will begin its defense of the South Atlantic Conference title on Saturday in a doubleheader against Catawba at the Lady Eagle Softball Complex.
The first game is set to begin at 1 p.m.
C-N is 16-8 on the season and enters the series having split its last three doubleheaders (Columbus State, Eckerd College and Georgia College).
The Lady Eagles are having another stellar campaign at the plate as they lead the conference in several offensive categories. C-N is first in the SAC in on base percentage (.405), runs scored (154), hits (216), runs batted in (135) and stolen bases (52).
Junior leadoff hitter Jessie Howard (Knoxville, Tenn.) has been the spark behind the Lady Eagles' offense. The 2008 National Fastpitch Coaches Association first team All-American leads the team in batting average (.402), hits (33), runs scored (29) and stolen bases (16).
On the mound, Mary Shealy (Clinton, S.C.) is having a solid start in her first year at Mossy Creek. The freshman right-hander has compiled an 11-6 record with a 2.56 ERA and 69 strikeouts. Shealy has also been a force at the plate, batting .383 with eight doubles, three home runs and 31 RBIs.
The Lady Eagles will be facing a Catawba (12-10) squad that has won five out of its last six games.
Second baseman Allie Marshall and catcher Ryann Baker lead the way for Catawba. Marshall is batting .397 with seven doubles, five home runs and 19 RBIs. Baker, a preseason All-SAC first team selection, is hitting .333 with six doubles, six home runs and 17 RBIs.
C-N swept Catawba last season, winning 6-0 and 6-3.
