May 12, 2006

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - For the first time since 2002, Alabama State University finds itself in position to snag the Southwestern Athletic Conference title with an appearance in the league's postseason tournament.

The Hornets endured a trying season in 2006 but have been slotted as the Eastern Division No. 3 seed in the SWAC Tournament, which is scheduled for May 18-21 at Trustman Park in Pearl, Miss. ASU will battle Prairie View A&M, the top seed from the Western Division, in the opening round of the double-elimination tourney at 2 p.m. on May 18.

ASU finished the regular season with an 11-32-1 record. By virtue of several forfeits, the Hornets finished third in the SWAC Eastern Division with an 11-12-1 mark. Given the unenviable task of replacing his top six hitters and several top pitchers from the 2005 campaign, manager Larry Watkins took lemons and tried to make lemonade.

"I knew we'd miss the guys who weren't coming back. But I had a good feeling about this team," said Watkins, in his 24th season as ASU skipper. "We had some real leaders returning, as well as a couple of young arms. Plus, we had a couple of bats coming in that I knew would make a difference. "

Several first-year players had outstanding seasons, including third baseman/outfielder Selmon Pearson, infielder Josh Clemons, and outfielder Travis Johnson.

After a slow start to the season, Pearson put up outstanding numbers that were among the best in the conference. He finished with a .368 batting average, 15 doubles, eight home runs and 38 runs batted in - leading the Hornets and among the top-10 in the SWAC.

Johnson tied Pearson with a team-high eight home runs and led the Hornets with 40 runs scored while finishing second on the team with 19 stolen bases. Clemons (.327, 2, 20) also hit well, though his greatest contribution to the team may have been his defensive consistency and versatility. He played several positions and also pitched in five games.

Of the returning players, sophomore Furquan Shamsud-Din (.318, 4, 26) and seniors Anthony Hall (.316, 3, 35) and Bradley Mann (.244, 5, 19) also provided great punch in the middle of the Hornet lineup. Mann has been particularly strong at the plate, hitting .364 with five home runs and 11 RBI in his last 10 games.

"We can hit with anyone," Watkins said. "Our problem is pitching depth."

Josh Froneberger, however, wasn't part of that problem. He led the SWAC in strikeouts (117) and innings pitched (103), and was second in wins (six). He also played shortstop when he wasn't on the mound, hitting .314 with seven RBI.

"(Josh) has the potential to be a great pitcher," Watkins said. "He's got the arm and the attitude."

Jauquin Respress finished 2-5 on the season but has been pitching his best baseball heading into the tournament. In his last three appearances, the lefty is 1-0 with a 2.92 earned run average.

"Respress is a real change of pace from Josh," Watkins said. "His control has been great down the stretch and we'll be counting on him in the tournament."