Mekhia Freeman Named Preseason All-Sun Belt; GS Softball Picked Seventh
2/1/2018 1:30:00 PM | Softball
Sophomore outfielder honored in the Sun Belt's preseason release
STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern softball squad has been picked to finish tied for seventh in a preseason poll of Sun Belt Conference coaches, announced today. In addition, sophomore outfielder Mekhia Freeman has been named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.
The Eagles are picked to tie with Coastal Carolina in the upcoming 2018 season for seventh as each team received 38 points in the voting. Texas State received six first-place votes and 95 points total to be picked as preseason conference favorites, with Louisiana collecting four first-place votes and 92 points total for second. Georgia State (80) was picked third, followed by South Alabama (72), UL Monroe (46) and UT Arlington (42) ahead of the Eagles. Troy (34) and Appalachian State (13) round out the poll.
Georgia Southern finished sixth in the Sun Belt standings a year ago with a 24-29 overall record and a 12-15 conference finish. Under first-year head coach Kim Dean, the Eagles return 13 players from last season's squad and add six newcomers for 2018. Click here for the full Sun Belt Conference preseason poll release.
"We look forward to the challenges ahead of us in 2018, and the outstanding competition we will face day in and day out in the Sun Belt," Coach Dean said. "In a league this competitive, one series could change how the standings shake out at the end of the season."
Freeman earns the preseason All-League honor after an outstanding debut campaign that saw the Senoia, Ga., native hit .323 with 11 doubles, four home runs and 25 RBI, slugging .500. She was a second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honoree as a freshman. Click here to view the complete 2018 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference team.
"In the short amount of time I've had the opportunity to work with her, I've been excited about her commitment to the game," Coach Dean said. "Mekhia has her eyes set on becoming a more dynamic outfielder and hitter for 2018, following up on her All-Conference campaign as a freshman in 2017."
Georgia Southern opens the 2018 season by hosting the Eagle Round Robin Classic on February 9-11 at Eagle Field. For the first time, Georgia Southern softball will be a ticketed event and season tickets are currently on sale. Visit the Georgia Southern ticketing website to purchase season tickets now.
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.
