Tuesday, January 23, 2007

MACON, Ga. – The preseason poll is in and A-Sun coaches are picking the Jacksonville Dolphins and the Stetson Hatters to duke it out for the conference championship. Jacksonville edged the Hatters with five first place votes to four in the regular season poll, though the two schools received the same amount of points in the coaches poll. Mercer was the recipient of the other first place vote, finishing third in the poll.

Defending Atlantic Sun Tournament champion, Stetson, was chosen by the A-Sun coaches to repeat that feat in 2007.

Mercer catcher, Josh Thompson was tabbed the A-Sun preseason player of the year by A-Sun coaches. In 2006 Thompson batted .332 with 15 home runs, 53 RBI and 35 BB. Thompson was Mercer’s leader in home runs, RBI, runs and walks in 2006.

Stetson’s left-handed pitcher Chris Ingoglia and outfielder Shane Jordan were named to their second preseason All-Conference team in a row. Right-handed pitcher Brantley New of Mercer and designated hitter Jay McConnell of Gardner-Webb also return for a second straight season.

2006 Atlantic Sun pitcher of the year, Jacksonville left-hander Matt Dobbins, was the only unanimous selection to the 2007 team.

Dobbins (pictured left) was named to the 2006 postseason All-Conference first team as well.

Other members of the 2006 postseason All-Conference first team named to the 2007 preseason team were North Florida left-handed pitcher Brad Johnson, Mercer pitcher Brantley New, Jacksonville outfielder Pete Clifford and Belmont outfielder Wilson Tucker.

Three athletes named to the 2006 All-Conference second team were voted to the 2007 preseason team: Stetson pitcher Chris Ingoglia, Stetson right-handed relief pitcher Robbie Elsemiller, and Mercer catcher Josh Thompson.

The 2007 season of A-Sun baseball begins Tuesday, Jan. 30 when Jacksonville visits Florida A&M.