GREENSBORO, N.C. ? The Southern Conference softball coaches have selected the all-conference teams for the 2007 season as well as the Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and Coach of the Year. The coaches’ selections are based on nominations from their teams and are not allowed to vote for their own players.
College of Charleston had five players earn all-league honors, including the 2007 Player of the Year Jennifer Golden. The senior finished the regular season leading the league in seven categories, including batting average (.418), RBI (61) and home runs (16). Golden was named Player of the Week three times this season. She was also named to the all-conference first-team along with pitcher Terri Mesko, outfielder Izmena Cabrera and designated player Shannon Howard. Teammate Kristie Shifflett picked up second-team honors.
Chattanooga’s Brooke Loudermilk was tabbed the Freshman of the Year and the Pitcher of the Year by the coaches. She led the conference this past season in strikeouts (278) and wins (22). In her first season as a Lady Moc, Loudermilk made 40 appearances and led Chattanooga to its ninth regular season title.
Two-year College of Charleston head coach Shelly Hoerner was named the Coach of the Year by her peers. Hoerner led the Cougars to a 14-7 league mark this past season and the No. 2 seed in this week’s championship. This is the first coach of the year honor for Hoerner.
Chattanooga landed the most players on the two teams with seven. The Lady Mocs had three players make the first-team, including pitcher Brooke Loudermilk, shortstop Tia Blosser and outfielder Jeannie Cochran. Teammates Ashley Frizzell, Alyssa Edwards, Tara Tembey and Laci Upchurch earned second-team accolades.
Elon had two players named to the first-team, led by second basemen Paige Goss and shortstop Tracey Dahlen. Western Carolina also added two on the first-team with third baseman Stephanie Beatty and utility player Mollie Fowler. Teammate Nikki Bost was named to the second-team. Appalachian State landed three on the all-league squads. Catcher Kristyn Hurt picked up first-team honors while second baseman Brittany Gaston and outfielder Danielle Peters were named to the second-team. Outfielder Mary Greenway and shortstop Adriane Audley represent UNC Greensboro on the all-league squads. Furman also had two players named to the second-team with outfielder Amber Kiser and catcher Megan Jaudon earning all-league honors. Pitcher Melissa Laliberte picked up second-team accolades for Georgia Southern.
2007 Softball All-Conference Teams
First Team
P Terri Mesko, College of Charleston
P Brooke Loudermilk, Chattanooga
C Kristyn Hurt, Appalachian State
1B Jennifer Golden, College of Charleston
2B Paige Goss, Elon
3B Stephanie Beatty, Western Carolina
SS Tia Blosser, Chattanooga
SS Tracey Dahlen, Elon
OF Izmena Cabrera, College of Charleston
OF Jeannie Cochran, Chattanooga
OF Mary Greenway, UNC Greensboro
DP Shannon Howard, College of Charleston
U Mollie Fowler, Western Carolina
Second Team
P Ashley Frizzell, Chattanooga
P Melissa Laliberte, Georgia Southern
C Megan Jaudon, Furman
1B Alyssa Edwards, Chattanooga
2B Brittany Gaston, Appalachian State
3B Kristie Shifflett, College of Charleston
SS Adriane Audley, UNC Greensboro
OF Danielle Peters, Appalachian State
OF Amber Kiser, Furman
OF Nikki Bost, Western Carolina
DP Laci Upchurch, Chattanooga
U Tara Tembey, Chattanooga
Player of the Year: Jennifer Golden, College of Charleston
Pitcher of the Year: Brooke Loudermilk, Chattanooga
Freshman of the Year: Brooke Loudermilk, Chattanooga
Coach of the Year: Shelly Hoerner, College of Charleston