Carson-Newman’s Elliott, Wingate’s McPhail Named to All-South Atlantic Region Softball First Team

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman junior pitcher Megan Elliott (East Ridge, Tenn.) and Wingate University sophomore second baseman Megan McPhail (Fayetteville, N.C./Cape Fear HS) have been selected to the Louisville Slugger Division II All-South Atlantic Region first team. Team members are selected by members of the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA). They are the only players from the South Atlantic Conference to make either the first team or the second team

Elliott was named the 2005 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Pitcher of the Year, was the MVP of the SAC Tournament, was the 2004-05 C-N Female Athlete of the Year and was named to the All-Regional Tournament team. Elliott led the nation in wins in 2005 season as she posted a 37-10 record. In 296 innings, she had 227 strikeouts and a 1.11 earned run average.

The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles, ranked #24 in the nation, were 40-11 in 2005. They won the regular season SAC title and tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament.

McPhail raised her batting average 117 points from her freshman year to her sophomore year (.378 in 2005, .261 in 2004). As a result, McPhail was named first team All-South Atlantic Conference. She also earned a spot on the Food Lion SAC All-Tournament team, hitting .533 in the 2005 tourney.

She hit .421 with runners in scoring position in 2005, tops on the Wingate team charts. McPhail established career highs in almost every statistical category. She hit .378 with 10 doubles, three triples and 22 RBI. She compiled a .504 slugging percentage and a .957 fielding percentage.

A two-year starter who has started 90 of Wingate's 92 games in her career, McPhail has helped the Bulldogs compile an overall record of 63-29 in the last two seasons. Wingate was 32-13 overall in 2005.