Feb. 1, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles are picked to finish second in the 2008 South Atlantic Conference race, league officials announced Friday.

Head Coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield's Lady Eagles return the core of last season's squad, which finished 35-16 and advanced to NCAA South Atlantic Regional. C-N is picked second, behind Lenoir-Rhyne, which received five first-place votes.

The 13-time SAC champions placed five players on the preseason All-SAC teams, including two first-team selections.

Sophomores Stephanie Templeton (Ringgold, Ga.) and Jessie Howard (Knoxville, Tenn.) both made the first team after outstanding freshman campaigns. . Templeton earned a first team spot as a pitcher. As a freshman, She went 20-7 in 30 starts, finishing with an 2.66 ERA. She was solid at the plate in her first year as well, as she split time between pitching and playing first base. Her six home runs were good for third on the team. She hit .310 with 40 hits and 11 doubles.

Howard was one of the SAC's top freshmen a season ago. A slapper, Howard hit .397 with 74 hits in her first season at Mossy Creek. She also established herself as one of the top base stealers in the country. She led the SAC with 32 stolen bases in 33 attempts.

Three Lady Eagles landed on the second team, including second baseman Whitney Hickam (Knoxville, Tenn.). Named third-team All-American a year ago, Hickam hit .394 with 20 doubles and 10 home runs.

Senior Mandy Stevens (Knoxville, Tenn.) made the second team at shortstop. She and Howard will likely swap positions in the field for 2008. She earned the selection on the strength of a .355 year with 11 doubles and 37 RBIs.

Jessie Armstrong (Olive Branch, Miss.) was the second Lady Eagle to make the squad at pitcher. The junior finished '07 15-9 with a 2.45 ERA.

Carson-Newman opens its season on February 9 in Jefferson City against Bluefield State.