Anderson, S.C. – The Anderson University softball team has been picked to finish fourth, as the 2021 South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll was released by the league office Tuesday morning.
In addition, junior Kayson Boatner earned preseason All-SAC first-team honors.
For the shortened 2020 season, Boatner batted .358 with five doubles and nine home runs. The native of Phenix City, Ala. drove in 32 RBI while boasting a .836 slugging percentage.
Before being shut down last March due to Covid-19, the 2020 Anderson University softball team dropped four of its first seven contest before running off an impressive 13 straight games, including a doubleheader sweep of top-seeded South Atlantic Conference opponent Lincoln Memorial to earn an overall record of 16-4 and 4-0 record in the SAC standings. The win streak was the Black and Gold's longest, since the 2015-16 season.
The Trojans lost two players from that impressive team a season ago. However Head Coach Tommy Hewitt is extremely pleased with his 2021 edition.
"There are so many ways that I like this team," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "They flat get after it in practice by encouraging each other, by maintaining a high level of enthusiasm, sacrificing their bodies by diving after balls trying to make plays."
"We have six seniors and a 5th year senior returning this year and they have all grown into a very mature softball group," stated Hewitt.
"We will lean on the leadership of Matti Cantrell, Mackenzie Haver, Harlie Duncan, Kennedy Burton, Abi Webb, Sarah Middleton and finally Mattie Hamilton. "Their leadership will define the kind of season we will have," emphasized Hewitt.
The 42 game regular season will consist of 22 homes games and 18 road games. The Trojans will open up the season hosting nonconference opponent North Greenville on Tuesday, Feb. 2nd. Anderson will also host nonconference opponents Lees-McRae, Chowan, Walsh, and Emmanuel, while hosting SAC members UVA Wise, Mars Hill, Lenoir-Rhyne, Wingate, Carson-Newman and Queens.
The Trojans will have road trips to nonconference opponents Winston-Salem, Augusta, and Georgia College, while hitting the road to play SAC opponents at Catawba, Limestone, Tusculum, Newberry, Lincoln Memorial and Coker.
Lenoir-Rhyne (146) earned seven first place votes was voted as the preseason favorite, while Lincoln Memorial (143) was selected second. Carson-Newman (134) was slotted third.
Anderson (126) picked up two first place votes and was picked to finish fourth, followed by Wingate (105) in fifth place. Newberry (102) was just behind the Bulldogs for the sixth slot, while Coker (77) occupied the seventh position.
Queens (72) and SAC newcomer Limestone (66) were slotted in the eighth and ninth place, respectively. Tusculum (58), Catawba (55), UVA Wise (42) and Mars Hill (34) rounded out the poll.
SOFTBALL
Rank School (1st place votes) Points
1 Lenoir-Rhyne (7) 146
2 Lincoln Memorial (3) 140
3 Carson-Newman (1) 134
4 Anderson (2) 126
5 Wingate 105
6 Newberry 102
7 Coker 77
8 Queens 72
9 Limestone 66
10 Tusculum 58
11 Catawba 55
12 UVA Wise 42
13 Mars Hill 34
2021 South Atlantic Conference Softball Preseason All-Conference
All-SAC First Team
OF – Savannah Moorefield, Lenoir-Rhyne
OF – McKenzie Barneycastle, Newberry
OF – Chloe Pelham, Coker
1B – Haley Simonds, Newberry
2B – Ty-Kella Goins, Lincoln Memorial
SS – Talon LaClair, Lenoir-Rhyne
3B – Hannah Towery, Newberry
3B - Kaylee Jones, UVA Wise
DP – Kayson Boatner, Anderson
UTL – Aubrey Reep, Wingate
C – Kylee Leonhardt, Lenoir-Rhyne
P – Morgan Beeler, Lenoir-Rhyne
P – Isabelle Mullen, Coker
All-SAC Second Team
OF – Haley Caldwell, Carson-Newman
OF – Anna Alloway, Tusculum
OF – Sam Hogan, Wingate
1B – Alexis Grampp, Tusculum
2B – Brittney Franse, Tusculum
SS – Sierra Hucklebee, Lincoln Memorial
3B – Emma Webb, Lincoln Memorial
DP – McKenzie McCullen, Queens
UTL – Lacie Rinus, Carson-Newman
C – KaraLynne Levi, Carson-Newman
P – Lauren Rakes, Lenoir-Rhyne
P – McKenna Falwell, Virginia-Wise
