Jan. 15, 2016 NORFOLK, Va. - Nearly a month before their season opener, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Softball team witnessed senior outfielder Vanessa Gomez (Belleville, N.J.) earn Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason All-Conference honors, the announcement came today. Furthermore, the conference also released its preseason poll and saw the Lady Hawks placed sixth in the Northern Division after receiving 60 points.
The preseason poll and all-conference team are voted by the MEAC's softball head coaches and sports information directors.
The New Jersey native made first-team after starting all 39 contests a year ago. Last season, she ranked among the top 10 in several conference offensive categories, including batting average (9th), on-base percentage (10th), doubles (7th), and stolen bases (3rd). Additionally, the squad's Most Valuable Player (MVP) received multiple awards, such as 2015 All-Conference, MEAC Player of the Week, and Spartan Invitational All-Tournament Team.
Savannah State's first baseman Torrian Wright won the 2016 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year honors after a Triple Crown season a year ago, posting a .584 batting average, 49 RBIs and 17 home runs. Bethune-Cookman's Sabrina Anguiano claimed the 2016 MEAC Preseason Pitcher of the Year award.
Delaware State, 2015 MEAC Northern Division Champs, received the most first-place votes, 18, while tallying 170 points; thus, predicted to repeat. Bethune-Cookman was picked to take the Southern Division despite only six first-place votes. Savannah State, who received 10 top votes, finished seven points behind the Wildcats (128), followed by 2015 MEAC Champions Florida A&M, who received nine first-place acknowledgements.
The 2016 MEAC Softball Championship tournament is scheduled for May 12-14 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex in Ormond Beach, Fla.
On Feb. 13-14, UMES opens the season in Greensboro, N.C. where they will compete in the North Carolina A&T Aggie Invitational.
Also see:
For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visitwww.umeshawks.com .
