FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - Chowan University's softball skipper, Mandi Balduf, has been named the NCCAA's South Region Softball Coach of the Year after leading her team to a 2009 NCCAA South Region Championship. Balduf guided the Hawks to their second title since 2005 and the Hawks' first 30-win season since transitioning to DII status.

Balduf and the Hawks claimed the NCCAA South Region Title this past Saturday with an opening round win over Emmanuel College (1-0). After losing to North Greenville in the first of two championship games, the Hawks battled back to take the title game in extra innings with a 1-0 win.

Balduf and the Hawks stand at 30-21 on the year and will have two weeks to prepare for the NCCAA National Softball Tournament to be held in Palm Beach, Florida. The tournament will be hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University May 6-9th.