Tech Topics - Spring 2009 - (Page 43) YELLOW JACKETS Home Field Advantage After playing on a field at the extreme northern edge of campus, the Tech softball team is happy to be moving closer to the athletic hub. The team’s new stadium, at Eighth and Fowler streets, will open March 10, when the Yellow Jackets face the University of Tennessee-Martin. The Board of Regents was expected to vote in February to name the stadium in honor of the late Shirley Clements Mewborn, EE 56, the 1990-91 president of the Alumni Association. PHOTOS: DAVID JOHNSON Yellow Jackets volleyball team. Tonya Johnson spent six years as an assistant and associate head coach at the University of Texas. She was in charge of recruiting for the Longhorns and helped the team recruit top-two classes each of the past three seasons. Texas made it to the 2008 NCAA Final Four after back-to-back tournament regional appearances. Johnson also coached outside hitters. She was a fouryear letter winner at LSU, leading the Tigers to two NCAA appearances. “Georgia Tech is a great institution, both academically and athletically, and I look forward to leading this program into the future,” Johnson said. Ladies Net Big Wins The women’s basketball team came into the season aiming for an entrance into the NCAA tournament. Maybe they should’ve set their sights higher, as they’ve enjoyed a strong season, including a huge 66-62 win over second-ranked North Carolina. On Feb. 1, head coach MaChelle Joseph earned her 100th win when the Lady Jackets defeated Clemson 48-41. Brigitte Ardossi, at left, has been one of many standout players for the Jackets, who are closing out the regular season. The ACC tournament begins March 5 and will be played in Greensboro, N.C. Baseball Enters Season Ranked 12th After finishing last season with a trip to the NCAA Regional in Athens, the Yellow Jackets head into 2009 ranked 12th by Collegiate Baseball. Returning eight starting fielders and six top pitchers from last season, Tech has an experienced squad heading into the year. The top fielder is shortstop Derek Dietrich, who hit .332 with 14 home runs and 66 RBI last season, and pitcher Deck McGuire, who went 8-1 with a 3.46 ERA. Both sophomores, Dietrich and McGuire were named preseason contenders for the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award. PAUL ABELL TechTopics | Spring 2009 43
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