05/20/2008

Associated Press

Georgia Southern outfielder Chris Shehan has been named the Southern Conference player of the year, and Elon's Steven Hensley has the league's top honor for pitchers.

The awards announced Tuesday were determined in a vote of the Southern Conference Sports Media Association. Other honors include Furman designated hitter Wade Reese for the league's freshman of the year, and Elon's Mike Kennedy for coach of the year.

On Monday, league coaches voted College of Charleston third baseman Jeremie Tice player of the year. Elon reliever Thomas Girdwood earned freshman of the year. Hensley, the Elon pitcher, and Kennedy, the Phoenix coach, also picked up their respective awards from the Southern Conference coaches.

The league's tournament began Tuesday in Charleston. Play continues through the championship game Sunday.