Jan. 12, 2009

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click here for Atlantic 10 feature on Charlotte's Rob Lyerly

The Charlotte 49ers claimed the top spot in the 2009 Atlantic 10 preseason poll, in voting by the conference’s head coaches and released by the league office.

The 49ers have won league titles in each of the past two seasons, the first A-10 team since Virginia Tech in 1999-2000 to capture consecutive crowns. No team has won three straight A-10 championships.

Charlotte is led by junior first baseman Rob Lyerly (pictured left), the Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 A-10 Championship and a preseason All-American. Under the direction of head coach Loren Hibbs, the 49ers have posted a record of 92-28 over the past two seasons.

Xavier is picked to finish second, followed by Rhode Island, Richmond, Dayton and Temple.

The top six teams will participate in the 2009 A-10 Championship May 20-23 at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, Ohio, the home of the Cincinnati Reds’ Class A affiliate Dayton Dragons.

(photo courtesy of Charlotte Media Relations Office)

2009 Preseason Poll (2008 Overall, A-10 Records)

1. Charlotte (43-16, 19-8)

2. Xavier (27-31, 19-8)

3. Rhode Island (31-27-1, 15-11)

4. Richmond (20-31-2, 10-16)

5. Dayton (31-25, 13-14)

6. Temple (27-29, 16-11)

7. George Washington (26-29, 11-16)

8. Duquesne (26-29-1, 16-10)

9. Fordham (29-24-1, 13-14)

10. St. Bonaventure (29-24, 15-12)

11. Massachusetts (18-27, 11-16)

12. Saint Louis (24-29, 9-17)

13. Saint Joseph’s (18-34, 9-18)

14. La Salle (16-36, 11-16)