Dec. 31, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina, ranked No. 1 in the Ping!Baseball preseason rankings, has placed five players on the website's preseason All-America squad, which was released earlier this week. First baseman Dustin Ackley, second baseman Kyle Seager and right-handers Matt Harvey and Alex White were all first-team picks, while left-handed reliever Brian Moran claimed a spot on the third team.

With Moran joining the preseason All-America parade, a total of six Tar Heels have earned preseason accolades. Right-hander Adam Warren was recognized earlier this month by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Ackley and White, both junior returning All-America selections, have been consensus first-team preseason All-America picks for 2009. Seager also claimed All-America honors as a sophomore in 2008, giving the Tar Heels multiple returning All-Americas for the first time in program history.

Carolina will open the 2009 season Feb. 20 at the brand-new Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium against VMI.