View 2010 A-Sun Pre-Season All-Conference Team
MACON, Ga. –
Mercer senior outfielder
Holly Oglesbee and junior pitcher
Jenni Holtz were recognized by coaches from the Atlantic Sun Wednesday as representatives on the 2010 preseason All-Conference team. In addition to the personal accolades, the Bears also placed third in the preseason conference standings; the highest ranking for a Mercer team since 2007 when it was picked fourth.
It is Oglesbee’s second straight preseason honor and the first for Holtz. In preliminary research, it is also the first time in recent history that two Mercer players have been named to the preseason all-conference team. The two were also 2009 regular season First-Team All-Conference selections and are pivotal components of head coach
Mike Raynor’s record-setting team that went 40-19 a season ago.
“It’s exciting for the team to get this type of recognition from the conference coaches,” Raynor said. “To be ranked this high in for the first time recent history is a testament to the where this program is headed and all of the players deserve it.”
Oglesbee, led the Bears offensively last season starting all 58 games with a .309 batting average, 26 RBI, 32 runs scored, and hits with 59 in her lead-off position. She also ranked second in the A-Sun in doubles with 17 on the year and was recognized recently by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as an Academic All-American in 2009.
Holtz has quickly solidified her role as a premier pitcher in the Atlantic Sun in just two seasons in the conference. Last year, Holtz was tied for first in the A-Sun in wins (23), second in ERA (1.44) and third in strikeouts (234).
“Jenni and Holly have certainly earned this recognition,” Raynor said. “They are some of the hardest working competitors I have coached and we expect a lot from them this season.”
This year, the Bears return 20 letter-winners and look to be the first team in school history to post three consecutive 30-plus win seasons.
“Our conference was the fourth toughest in the country a season ago, it is very competitive and getting better every year,” Raynor said. “We are happy to be a part of this conference and the level of play and if we perform like we can, stay healthy and get lucky the sky is the limit.”