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BPC softball players take home awards at season-ending banquet

Optimism abounds for 2008

By Taylor Hereford

Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON—Several players from the Brewton-Parker College softball team received postseason honors at the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) awards banquet April 18.

Junior Ashley Beecher and freshman Brittany Smiley were named first team All-SSAC, while junior Courtney Payne and freshman Kelli Wilson earned second team All-SSAC honors.  Smiley, Wilson and Leah Bennett were selected to the SSAC All-Freshman team, with Smiley also being named an All-Region 13 selection.  Payne, senior Lindsey Hamrick and junior Britney Euler were selected to the All-SSAC Academic team.

Head Coach Jason Bryant talks strategy with the BPC Softball team during an April 2 home game. (Photo by Ashley Byrd)

After finishing the 2007 season with 30 wins and earning a trip to the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Tournament, head coach Jason Bryant is proud of the Barons (30-29, 9-19 SSAC) and their accomplishments this season.

“A 30 win season with a number of all-conference selections equals success for the Barons in 2007,” he said.  “We battled through injuries all season long.  But these young ladies continued to play with heart and character.   I really enjoyed (coaching) this team this year.”

The Barons earned the seventh seed in this year’s tournament and lost their opening game April 19 to second seed Lee University, 12-10.  The team rebounded with a 6-3 win over sixth seed Emmanuel College before being eliminated April 20 by the number four seed Brenau University, 3-0.

When looking to the future of BPC softball, Bryant said he’s optimistic of the Barons’ ability to build on what was learned in 2007 to produce even better results in 2008.

“We were young this year being loaded with freshmen,” he said.  “Next year we will have a few more seniors and, as a result, a better mixture of players.  Next season is full of optimism already.  The young ladies are full of excitement as expectations grow.”

-BPC-