FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Holden, Sports Info. Director
(540) 365-4366

April 17, 2005


Ferrum Wins USA South Baseball Tournament
Panthers Claim NCAA Tournament Automatic Bid

DANVILLE, VA -- Ferrum College earned its ninth trip to the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament by winning the 2005 USA South Athletic Conference Tournament held April 14-17 at Dan Daniel Memorial Park in Danville, Virginia.

Ferrum, the #2 seed, swept through the tournament in three games, defeating #3 Christopher Newport University 5-0 April 15, then #1 Methodist College 2-1 April 16.  After Methodist fought its way through the loser's bracket of the double-elimination tournament, the Panthers beat the Monarchs 5-4 in the title game on April 17.

Ferrum's USA South Tournament Games
April 15: Ferrum 5, Christopher Newport 0
April 16: Ferrum 2, Methodist 1
April 17: Ferrum 5, Methodist 4

The title game was tied at 4-4 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, when freshman shortstop Jesse Fuller (Richmond, Va./Varina) led off with his second double of the game.  Senior outfielder Quincy Davenport (Bedford, Va./Liberty), who was 4-4 with a double for the day, sacrifice bunted Fuller to third.  Sophomore outfielder Brent Sowers (Roanoke, Va./Patrick Henry) then lined a single to center field to drive in the winning run.

Senior Randall Stevens (Waynesboro, Va./Wilson Memorial) was credited with the win.  He pitched the last two innings of the game, allowing a hit and an earned run.  Senior DH Kasey Harmon (St. Cloud, Fla./St. Cloud) went 1-1 with a double and three walks (two intentional).

Davenport was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.  Joining him on the All-Tournament team were Harmon, sophomore pitcher Ryan Cooper (Stuarts Draft., Va./Stuarts Draft), and sophomore third baseman Brett Thomas (Danville, Va./George Washington). 

Coach Abe Naff's team claims the USA South's automatic berth into the 2005 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament.  Regional tournaments will be announced by the NCAA later this week.  For more information, please contact the Ferrum College Sports Information Office at (540) 365-4306.
 

# # #