Conference preview: Conference USA

Conference USA[

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2007-08 outlook

Predicted champion: Central Florida

Predicted player of the year: Nicolas Geyger, Tulsa

Predicted freshman of the year: Jhared Hack, Central Florida

NCAA Regional bound: Central Florida, SMU, Houston, East Carolina

Team on the rise: Central Florida

Biggest question mark: Tulsa

Wouldn't be surprised to see: A first-time winner at the Conference USA Championship (only Houston and Tulsa have won previously).

Would be shocked to see: Even with Nicolas Geyger returning, Tulsa win any more than one tournament after losing four seniors with stroke averages of 73.13 or better

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2006-07 Accolades

Player of the year:__ Colt Knost, SMU

Freshman of the year: Christian Brand, Marshall

Coach of the year: Bill Brogden, Tulsa

Conference USA medalist: Garrett Osborn, Alabama-Birmingham

All-Conference USA First team:

Mitch Cohlmia, Tulsa

Jordan Irwin, Houston*

Colt Knost, SMU

Brett Myers, Tulsa

Garrett Osborn, Alabama-Birmingham

2007-08 RANKING

__WOMEN

2007-08 outlook__

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Predicted champion: SMU

Predicted player of the year: Michaela Cavener, Tulsa

Predicted freshman of the year: Katie Detlefsen, Central Florida

NCAA Regional bound: SMU, Central Florida

Team on the rise: Central Florida

Biggest question mark: Tulsa

Wouldn't be surprised to see: Central Florida sneak away with the conference crown despite SMU being the more talented team on paper.

Would be shocked to see: Kevin Williams return to East Carolina, where he started the women's program in 2000, end with a conference title in 2007-08, thanks to the transfer of the Pirates best player, Lene Krog.

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2006-07 Accolades

Player of the year:__ Gerina Mendoza, UTEP

Freshman of the year: Sara Hurwitch, Central Florida

Coach of the year: Jenny Bruun, Memphis

Conference USA medalist: Gerina Mendoza, UTEP

All-Conference USA First team:

Jennifer Ackerson, SMU

Kate Ackerson, SMU*

Lacey Jones, SMU*

Gerina Mendoza, UTEP

Stacey Tate, Memphis

2007-08 RANKING