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DAHLONEGA, GA – With the North Georgia College & State University softball team just over a week away from opening the 2010 season at the Aiken Early Bird Tournament, the Sports Information Office has released the media guide to the public.

The Saints will have a target on their back in 2010 after being picked to win the Peach Belt Conference for the second consecutive year, and have been selected the #2 team in the country in the NFCA preseason coaches poll released on Wednesday afternoon.

With Alabama-Huntsville sitting atop the NFCA preseason poll, the top two teams in the country are scheduled to meet four times during the 2010 season as Alabama-Huntsville will travel to Dahlonega for a doubleheader on March 10, before the Saints will head west to take on the Chargers for another double dip set for March 30.

The schedule does not get any easer from their for the Saints who have games slated against four other teams in the top 25, including three top 10 teams. North Georgia will host 6th ranked Valdosta State in a pair of games the second weekend of the season at the Captain D’s Classic, before traveling to take on 5th ranked Indianapolis at the UAH Charger Chillout. North Georgia will then host 7th-ranked LeMoyne the second week in March for a doubleheader, and will host 13th-ranked USC Aiken in conference action on March 18.

North Georgia opens the season on the road the first weekend of February at the Aiken Early Bird Tournament, before playing their home opener the following weekend, hosting the Captain D’s Classic and welcoming Northern Kentucky, Valdosta State, and Delta State to town for
two days.

The Saints will open their defense of the Peach Belt Conference regular season championship with a road trip to Francis Marion and UNC Pembroke the first week in March.

North Georgia returns eight starters from the 2009 team, including PBC Pitcher of the Year and All-American Sarah Phillips in the circle, while All-Americans Leslee Smith and Courtney McGuire will enter their senior seasons after combining to crush 21 home runs last year.

Come out and meet the #2 team in the nation as a softball preseason shows will take place on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. live from Roosters Cafe in Dahlonega as 10th year head coach Mike Davenport and selected players will be on hand to join the show and speak with selected members of the media.

Fans are encouraged to attend, meet their favorite athlete, and pick up a free autographed poster at the event. Fans can also have their picture taken with North Georgia players and the 2009 NCAA Regional Championship Trophy.