March 19, 2007
Beck, Poling, Geisinger, and Tucker Honored as USA South Athletes of the Week
Methodist student-athletes receive weekly conference honor

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  The USA South has announced their athletes of the week.  The conference gives an award for Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week for each sport active during the week.

Emily Beck has been named the USA South Softball Rookie Pitcher of the Week.  The freshman from Tenafly, New Jersey appeared in two games last week for the Monarchs, earning one win and one save. In eight innings of work, Beck did not allow a run on six hits with one strikeout. Beck tossed six scoreless innings to pick up the win in Methodist's, 2-0, win over LaGrange. Beck then came on in relief in a 4-1 win over Huntingdon to pitch two scoreless innings, earning the save.

Sara Poling has been named the USA South Softball Player of the Week.  The sophomore shortstop from Rocky Point, North Carolina helped the Monarchs to a 4-0 week by batting .375 (3-for-8) with seven RBI, four runs scored, two home runs and three walks. Poling reached base in each contest and also scored in each of the four victories. In wins over Huntingdon and Meredith, Poling went a combined 2-for-5 with six RBI and two three-run home runs.  The softball team travels to NC Wesleyan on Wednesday for a doubleheader to start at 2 pm.

Fred Geisinger has been named the USA South Baseball Rookie Pitcher of the Week.  The Woodbridge, Connecticut freshman appeared in three games last week, earning two saves. Both of Geisinger's saves came in a two-game sweep of Piedmont. In the first game, Geisinger came on in the top of the eighth inning and threw two scoreless innings to help the Monarchs hold the lead. In game two of the series, Geisinger again came on in the top of the eighth to hold Piedmont and allow Methodist to pick up the sweep. In a total of 4.1 innings last week, Geisinger gave up four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.  The Monarchs host Endicott on Tuesday at 4 pm.

Tiffany Tucker has been named the USA South Women's Tennis Player of the Week.  The Circleville, Ohio junior had a 2-0 performance in both singles and doubles last week. Tucker, playing at the number-one singles and doubles flights earned victories over two regionally ranked opponents in Meredith and William Smith. In the singles victory over Meredith, ranked 20th in the region, Tucker battled to win the match in a tiebreaker and defeated 15th ranked Chelsea Rauck of William Smith.  Tucker combined with junior Leighton Bull to win both doubles matches.  The tennis team faces the Bishops of NC Wesleyan on Monday at 5:30 pm.

For more information about the USA South Athletic Conference visit http://www.usasouth.net/