Tampa Picked Sixth In Preseason Conference Rankings

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer team was picked sixth in the 2010 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Poll. Rollins College has been chosen as the preseason favorite to win its third straight Sunshine State Conference women's soccer title.

The Tars accumulated 189 points in the annual preseason women's soccer poll, including 14 first-place votes. Florida Tech, which finished second in the 2009 SSC standings, claimed the other four first-place nods and took second place in the poll. The Panthers received a total of 154 points. Florida Southern, which placed third in the final standings a year ago, was tabbed to take that same slot in 2010. The Moccasins finished just two points behind Tech with 152.

Collecting 137 points, Saint Leo ranked fourth in the poll. Lynn weighed in fifth with 87 points. Just one point back was Tampa, which placed sixth with 86. Barry and Nova Southeastern knotted with 71 points to tie for seventh. Eckerd (25) rounded out the poll.

Rollins returns seven starters from last year's team that posted a 16-2-2 overall record and a 7-0-1 conference mark.

The Spartans return eight starters from last season as head coach Gerry Lucey brought in a talented group of newcomers that includes five transfers. Among them are heralded goal-scorer Luana Miessa, who comes from NCAA Division I Sam Houston State University.

Preseason polling was conducted among the conference's women's soccer coaches and sports information directors. Participants are not permitted to rank their own teams.

2010 SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE PRESEASON WOMEN'S SOCCER POLL
Rank - Team, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Rollins, 189 (14)
2 - Florida Tech, 154 (4)
3 - Florida Southern, 152
4 - Saint Leo, 137
5 - Lynn, 87
6 - Tampa, 86
T7 - Barry, 71
T7 - Nova Southeastern, 71
9 - Eckerd, 25