Spartans Chosen Third In Preseason SSC Softball Poll

ORLANDO, Fla. - Nova Southeastern University has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2010 Sunshine State Conference softball championship, followed by Florida Southern College and The University of Tampa.

Collecting a total of 114 points, the Sharks just edged Florida Southern, which ranked second in the preseason poll with 111 points. NSU received seven first-place votes, while Florida Southern collected five.

Separated by the slimmest of margins, Tampa and Rollins occupied the third and fourth slots in the poll, respectively. Tampa tallied 93 points and four first-place votes, while Rollins accumulated 92 points and the two remaining first-place nods.

Barry placed fifth in the poll with 85 points. Saint Leo collected 61 points to assume the sixth slot. Lynn (39), Florida Tech (37), and Eckerd (16) rounded out the poll.

Voting for the preseason poll was conducted among the league's softball coaches and sports information directors.

The Spartans return three starters and 11 letterwinners from the 2009 squad and are looking to advance to their third consecutive NCAA II South Regional.

2010 SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE PRESEASON SOFTBALL POLL
Rank - School, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Nova Southeastern, 114 (7)
2 - Florida Southern, 111 (5)
3 - Tampa, 93 (4)
4 - Rollins, 92 (2)
5 - Barry, 85
6 - Saint Leo, 61
7 - Lynn, 39
8 - Florida Tech, 37
9 - Eckerd, 16