February 3, 2011

Bears Eighth In A-Sun Preseason Coaches Poll

MACON, Ga. –The Mercer softball team will begin their 2011 campaign next week at home against Alcorn St., on Thursday the Bears found out where they stack up as the Atlantic Sun released the 2011 Atlantic Sun Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Coming off a 25-30 season and finishing ninth overall in the conference in 2010, it was no surprise that the Bears were selected by coaches around the conference to finish in the bottom third of the league. Yet, if you asked the players and coaches it's much more about where you finish than where you begin.

"To me, I think we are a better team than where we were picked," Raynor said. "We have had a great fall and we will accept where we were picked and we will see where we finish."

The Bears, who are just two years removed from playing in the A-Sun Championship series and going a program-best 40-19 in 2009, will look to make a return to the conference tournament in 2011. Helping head coach Mike Raynor in that effort is a highly capable collection of returning players.

Losing just three seniors to graduation in 2010 and returning six seniors and seven starters, Raynor and his staff are confident they can make up for what they admit was a disappointing season from year ago.

"I am going to use that as a challenge to the players and really question them on where they want to be at the end," Raynor said.

The 2011 season opens next Thursday, Feb. 10 at home against Alcorn St. The game will be a blackout as the Bears have asked all fans in attendance to wear black in support of opening day at Sikes Field.

Player of the Year

Jessica Cross, Kennesaw State

Pitcher of the Year
Whitney Kiihnl, Lipscomb

Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Lipscomb (8) 118

2. USC Upstate (2) 100

3. Kennesaw State (1) 94

4. FGCU 89

5. Jacksonville 70

6. Stetson 68

7. Campbell 59

8. Mercer 49