01-24-2006, 02:44 PM
Quote:n its last season in the Atlantic Sun Conference, Florida Atlantic University?s baseball team is predicted to win its third regular season conference title announced the league office on Tuesday. FAU received nine of 11 first place votes in the coaches poll to finish ahead of Stetson.
FAU finished last season with a 37-24 record and advanced to its sixth NCAA Regional in the past seven years. The squad returns eight position starters and almost the complete pitching staff from 2005 including preseason A-Sun pitchers, Mickey Storey and Mike McBryde.
Storey (Deerfield Beach, FL) was one of three starting pitchers picked to the team along with Stetson?s Chris Ingoglia and Mercer?s Brantley New. McBryde (N. Palm Beach, FL) was named to the team as a relief pitcher and an outfielder after he posted a .370 batting average with 98 hits and 40 RBI with a 3.11 ERA and 10 saves. Storey was named the Collegiate Baseball Freshman Pitcher of the Year after he finished with a 10-1 record, 1.70 ERA and seven saves.
In Baseball America?s Atlantic Sun Conference Preview, McBryde was chosen as the Player of the Year and Storey was named Pitcher of the Year. The magazine?s Preseason All-Conference team features second baseman Ovy Ramirez who is also mentioned on the top newcomers list along with pitcher Joel Schmal.
FAU opens the season on Feb. 3 against Tennessee at 7 pm at FAU Stadium.
Coaches Poll (1st place votes) Points
1. Florida Atlantic (9) 119
2. Stetson (2) 112
3. North Florida 77
4. Gardner-Webb 70
5. ETSU 66
Jacksonville 66
7. Kennesaw State 62
8. Mercer 49
9. Campbell 44
10. Belmont 43
11. Lipscomb 18