Monday, January 08, 2007

MACON, Ga. - Defending A-Sun Conference Tournament Champion, Stetson and regular season champion, Jacksonville both received votes in Collegiate Baseball's pre-season poll. North Florida landed votes as well.

Stetson won the automatic bid, and Jacksonville was chosen as an at-large team for the NCAA Tournament. The Atlantic Sun has had 2 teams in the NCAA Tournament in 11 of the past 12 seasons.

Stetson finished the 2006 season with an overall record of 38-24. Robbie Elsemiller returns for his junior season as one of the top closer's in the nation. Elsemiller was named to the 2007 Roger Clemens Award Watch list, which goes to the top pitcher in college baseball annually. Stetson has made a regional appearance in 6 of the past 7 seasons.

Jacksonville, the A-Sun regular season champs, finished the 2006 regular season with an overall record of 43-19 and a 23-7 record within the conference. Terry Alexander returns for his 16th season as manager. Alexander has guided the Dolphins to postseason play 6 times. JU returns All-America pitcher Matt Dobbins as well as first team all-conference outfielder Pete Clifford. Dobbins was named the A-Sun pitcher of the year in 2006.

North Florida ended the 2006 season with an overall record of 34-21. They will be eligible for postseason play in 2010 due to Division I transition. The Ospreys return 1st Team All-A-Sun pitcher Brad Johnson as well as their leader in home runs in 2006, catcher Brandon Diaz.

Jacksonville kicks off the 2007 season for the Atlantic Sun Conference when they take on Florida A&M on Tuesday, January 30.