Softball Southern Conference

UTC's Alexander, Reed Earn Academic All-District Honors

Chattanooga senior softball players Beth Alexander and Dana Reed have been
named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-District IV team, which was
announced May 8.

The award is the second for Alexander, who was named to the 2002 and 2001
District IV First Team, and it is the second honor for Reed, who landed a
spot on the 2002 and 2001 District IV Second Team.

Both players prepped at East Ridge High School and have played integral
parts in the Lady Mocs' six consecutive Southern Conference Championships
and three straight SoCon Tournament titles. Alexander is a pitcher who
carries a 3.60 GPA in English Education, and Reed is a second baseman who
has a 3.80 GPA in Exercise Science.

"These are two ladies who you never have to worry about checking behind
them in class to make sure they're doing the right thing," said Chattanooga
softball coach Frank Reed. "This is typical of them since middle school and
high school and it has followed them into college. A lot of credit goes to
their teachers throughout the years from elementary school all the way up
through college. Those teachers, along with parents, have helped mold them
into quality people. They also understand and embody the true team concept."

Alexander is Chattanooga's career leader in wins, strikeouts, appearances,
innings pitched and shutouts. She has been named the Southern Conference
Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and she has been ranked nationally
this season in wins and earned run average. As a member of the 2002
All-District IV First Team, Alexander will be on the national ballot for
the Verizon Academic All-America Softball Team, which will be announced
June 6.

Reed has started every game for the last three-plus seasons at second base,
a streak that has reached 209 games, and she has 234 consecutive overall
starts in her career. Her career fielding average of .970 ranks in UTC's
career top 10, plush she will finish her career ranked in the Lady Mocs
career top 10 for at-bats, games played, hits, runs scored, singles,
doubles, triples, RBIs, total bases, stolen bases and walks. She was
recently named the winner of the Dale May Award, which recognizes the
female athlete with the best overall Grade Point Average of all UTC women's
sports.

This year's Verizon Academic All-District IV Team was voted on by members
of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) from
District IV, which encompasses Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and
Tennessee. To qualify, student-athletes much hold at least sophomore
status, own a minimum GPA of 3.2 and either be a starter or key reserve for
their team.

Sporting a 43-13 record, the Lady Mocs captured their third consecutive
SoCon Tournament Championship Monday and will play in the NCAA Regional on
May 16 at a site to be announced this weekend.