Raleigh, NC--The Peace College Softball program continues to improve and be recognized by players, coaches, and fans as a successful NCAA DIII collegiate program in the Southeast.

The Pacer softball program produced one Academic All-Conference and five All-Conference team members during the 2007 campaign. Freshman Ashley Stansbury was named to the NFCA All-Atlantic Region 2nd team. The Pacers finished the final NCAA rankings in the top seventeen in four categories: 7th nationally in homeruns per game, 11th nationally in slugging percentage, 12th nationally in doubles per game, and 17th in scoring.

The 2008 Pacer squad is looking to get back in the mix after finishing last season 25-15. The 2007 Pacer club finished 4th in the USA South Athletic Conference regular season standings. A disappointing 0-2 conference tournament record will be sure to inspire the 2008 team.

The Pacer's return seven players from last year's roster and add twelve for the upcoming season. The Pacers will graduate three seniors who play a vital role in the outcome of the 2008 season. "Experience and leadership will be a huge factor as we start the 2008 campaign, and my three seniors will be asked to guide this team as they battle in the very competitive USA South," stated Coach Dobbins. "I believe that challenging the team early by playing the best competition will only help us as we get into conference play. Youth will be served and ultimately decide our success. I have good kids that can play. It should make for exciting softball."

This year's team has three seniors. Joanie Blevins of Thurmond, NC is a pitcher/2nd baseman for the Pacers. She earned third-team All-Conference honors in 2007. Joanie batted 0.398 on the season with 13 doubles and 3 homeruns out of the leadoff position. Holly Braswell of Garner, NC is a 1st baseman/DH who set last year's USA South single-season homerun record with 12. A third-team All-Conference performer, Braswell led the Pacers in batting with a 0.402 season average. Kenni Seagroves, a two-sport Pacer athlete (volleyball) from Apex, NC was used in a utility role last year, sharing time between 3rd base and the outfield. She batted 0.297 with 25 RBI's and 4 homeruns.

Tiffany DeLeone, a transfer from Louisburg College, is the sole junior on the squad. She recorded a 0.313 batting average with 42 hits and 17 RBI's for the Hurricanes. DeLeone will see time in a utility role for the Pacers as she plays in the infield, outfield and as a pitcher.

The sophomore class consists of Ashley Stansbury, Summer Evans, Kristyn Trogdon, and Alex Byers. Stansbury, USA South first-team All-Conference at the untility position, led the conference with 48 RBI's and was 2nd in homeruns with 10. She was also 9-9 in the circle with a 0.255 ERA. Evans batted 0.295 including 4 homeruns and scored a team-high 41 runs. She also led the team with 11 steals. Trogdon saw her action from the outfield and batted 0.263 with 12 RBI's and 6 steals. Byers, injured much of the 2007 season, is ready to compete for her spot on the field.

The freshman class offers hope for the future as they compete for playing time. "I believe everyone in this class will be able to contribute on and off the field. We have set our goal to compete for a USA South Championship and a spot in the NCAA regionals. We needed to add depth, athleticism, and character. I believe we have accomplished all of those with this class," comments Coach Dobbins.

The class includes: Monica Champagne, an outfielder from Spring Hope, NC (South Nash); Haley Suitt, a pitcher from Creedmoor, NC (South Granville); Emily Gleason, an outfielder from Atlanta, GA (Dunwoody); Ashleigh Harris, a 1st baseman from Garner, NC (Garner Senior); Jessica Hogan, a shortstop from Denton, NC (Southwest Randolph); Courtney Long, a 3rd baseman from Nakina, NC (South Columbus); Megan Massengill, a 2nd baseman from Clayton, NC (South Johnston); Kasie and Lindsey Moore, a 3rd and 1st baseman, respectively, from Clayton, NC (Clayton); Morgan Weathington, a catcher from South Roseboro, NC (Cape Fear); and Marci-Anna Pridgen, a catcher from Whiteville, NC (South Columbus).

"I feel very excited about the student-athletes and families involved in the program this season," states Dobbins. "Coaches are educators and coaching is a specialized form of teaching. The primary emphasis of the softball program is placed on enhancing the personal development of the student-athlete through team building and competition. I also recognize that winning is a legitimate objective when achieved in an ethical manner consistent with sportsmanship and fair play. Maintaining a competitive program takes dedication from our coaching staff as we continuously search for top scholar-athletes. Our coaches measure success when the student-athlete walks across the stage and receives her diploma after obtaining a first-class Peace College education."