VIDEO: Michael Graves Interview

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman has been picked third in the South Atlantic Conference's annual preseason coaches poll, the league announced Tuesday. 

The Eagles collected a first place vote in the narrow voting that saw six teams collect triple-digit votes. 

"It speaks highly that teams think we have a lot of talent," Michael Graves said. "Anytime you're in the top four speaks volumes considering the parity and how strong this league is.  You always have to get off the bus ready to play anytime you're playing in the SAC."

Lenoir-Rhyne was picked to win the league with 146 points and seven first-place votes.  Lincoln Memorial followed behind the Bears with three first-place votes and 140 points.  C-N sat six points behind the 'Splitters with a first-place vote.

Anderson rounded out the top four with 126 points and the final two first-place votes. L-R, Anderson, LMU and C-N were a combined 66-17 when the season came to an abrupt halt last year due to CoVID. 

Wingate and Newberry were the final two institutions to accrue triple-digit points in fifth and sixth with 105 and 102 points, respectively. 

Coker, Queens and Limestone rounded out the top nine, while Tusculum sits in 10^th. 

Catawba, UVA Wise and Mars Hill round out the final three positions. 

Carson-Newman opens its season Feb. 5 at the Charger Chillout in Huntsville, Ala.  The Eagles open the doors to the Vickee Kazee-Hollifield Softball Complex Feb. 13 against King and play for the first time in conference play on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Mars Hill. 

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