DC Metro Sports - HOWARD'S YOUNG HIGHLIGHTS LIST OF MEAC SOFTBALL HONOREES

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. - Four Howard softball players were awarded major postseason honors by the conference Wednesday evening at the annual awards banquet held at Bethune-Cookman University's Center for Civil Engagement. Lady Bison sophomore Courtney Young was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year while junior teammate Kristina Cordova was named to the All-MEAC First Team. Additionally, freshman Emily Johnson and senior Dale McNeal received All-MEAC Second Team honors.

The banquet, held in conjunction with the MEAC Softball Championship, also honored 22 all conference selections. This year's championship is hosted by Bethune-Cookman University.

Young led the MEAC in slugging percentage (.757) and hits per game (1.46) while boasting a .459 batting average for the Lady Bison. She is currently ranked seventh in the NCAA in batting average and 16th in doubles (12). Young's short collegiate career has received notable recognition. In addition to this year's Player of the Year award, last year she was selected as the MEAC's Rookie of the Year and earned the Outstanding Performer honor after leading the Lady Bison to the 2007 championship title and first-ever berth to the NCAA tournament.

Cordova batted .415 in conference play and ranks 37th in NCAA in batting average while ranking 53rd in on base percentage.

Johnson led all rookies with a .425 batting average. The Florida native was named MEAC Rookie of the Week twice this season.

McNeal finished with a 2.13 earned run average in league play. The senior was named MEAC Pitcher of the Week last week after posting a 0.00 ERA in four appearances on the mound.

Howard opens play in the MEAC Tournament tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. as they take on the MEAC South's third seeded team, the Rattlers of Florida A&M University. If the Bison get by FAMU they will meet the winner of Bethune-Cookman and Morgan State at 7:00 p.m. later that day.

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