June 26, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has tabbed the NC State softball coaching trio as the staff of the year in the Southeast Region. With head coach Lisa Navas at the helm, the Pack climbed the 50-win plateau, securing its first NCAA Tournament berth, as well as both ACC regular season and tournament titles, in just its third year of existence during the 2005-06 season.

Alongside Navas, assistant Jay Pyron worked extensively with the red and white's offensive assault. Second-team All-ACC slugger Jen Chamerlin finished the season with 36 homers on her career, good for third all-time in league history. Abbie Sims, also a force from the circle, led the team in batting average with a .287 mark, while Heather Gelbard, the all-time school leader in doubles, finished just one point behind her. Miranda Ervin posted team-best marks in RBIs (54) and slugging percentage (.531).

Assistant Michelle Green tutored the Pack's deep pitching staff, including ACC Tournament MVP Shaina Ervin and fellow first-team all conference hurler Sims. The duo combined to post a 43-16 slate for the Pack, allowing just 108 runs in over 252 frames of work. Megan Dalthorp picked up seven wins of her own on a solid 2.41 ERA.