May 17, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Crystal Cox was one of two pitchers named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Southeast Region team, the NFCA annouced Wednesday. In addition to Cox, Cassie Palmer, Jennifer Jacobs and Casey Testa were named to the second team.

Cox, a senior from Harrisburg, N.C., was a first-team All-ACC performer in 2006 after having one of the greatest pitching seasons in school history. In addition to a school-record 27 wins, Cox established career highs in strikeouts (322) and ERA (0.81).

Palmer, a sophomore from Weddington, N.C., anchored the Carolina defense at second base and got things started offensively at the top of the order. She tied for the team lead in total bases with 102 and was second in both home runs (7) and RBIs (36).

Jacobs, a sophomore from Tampa, Fla., started every game at first base for the Tar Heels. She led UNC with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs, and her slugging percentage of .510 is also tops on the squad.

Testa, a sophomore from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., was named to the all-region second team for the second straight year. She was third on the team in home runs (6) and RBIs (30).

Carolina begins play in the NCAA Tournament Friday against South Florida at 2:30 p.m.