April 26, 2007

AUBURN - A very successful season for the Auburn women's golf has produced four postseason honors for three members of the team. Freshman Candace Schepperle was named SEC Freshman of the Year and second-team All-SEC, senior Nicole Hage was named first-team All-SEC and junior Margaret Shirley was named second-team All-SEC, the conference office announced Thursday.

C. Schepperle has played in every tournament this season and currently averages 74.69 strokes per round, a mark good enough for 13th in the conference. She amassed seven top-20 finishes and is also a second-team All-SEC selection. She is the fifth Auburn golfer in the last eight years to be named SEC Freshman of the Year.

"We are really proud of Candace and her accomplishments this year," Auburn head coach Kim Evans said. "Candace came in as a freshman and made an impact this year and she is very deserving of this honor."

Hage, who is the fifth golfer in school history to earn All-SEC honors four years in a row, has also competed in every tournament this season and leads the team with a 74.23 strokes-per-round average. She has six top-20 finishes including runner-up finishes at the Derby Invitational and the LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic. Of her 26 rounds played this season, 25 of them have been good enough to count for the team.

"I am happy that Nicole was able to finish out her career being named first-team All-SEC," Evans said. "She has played consistent this year and has been a leader for her teammates. Margaret and Candace have also done a terrific job and we are happy that they have been recognized for their achievements."

Shirley has competed in nine tournaments and currently averages 75.19 strokes per round. Her best finish was fourth-place at the Derby Invitational during the fall. She was named second-team All-SEC in 2006 and to the SEC Community Service team earlier this week.

After finishing eighth at the SEC Championships, the Tigers are awaiting their regional tournament destination, which will be announced on April 30. Regional tournaments are played May 10-12 and the NCAA Championship is scheduled for May 22-25.