Spartans Tabbed Fourth In Preseason Women’s Soccer Poll

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Tampa has been selected fourth as Saint Leo University has been chosen as the preseason favorite to claim the 2009 Sunshine State Conference women's soccer title. The announcement was made on Friday by the league office.

Last season's SSC tournament champions, the Lions amassed 120 points in a poll conducted among the league's women's soccer coaches and sports information directors. SLU received 10 first-place votes.

Saint Leo just edged out Rollins for the top spot in the poll, as the defending regular-season champion Tars garnered 115 points and the remaining eight first-place votes.

Coming off its first NCAA postseason appearance, Florida Southern claimed the third slot in the poll with 98 points. Close behind the Moccasins was Tampa with 90 points. Florida Tech was tabbed to finish fifth in the league standings, earning 66 points. Barry's 56 points placed the Buccaneers in sixth in the poll.

Lynn, Nova Southeastern, and Eckerd rounded out the poll. The Fighting Knights' 44 points were just one more than those accumulated by the Sharks, which tallied 43 to receive the eighth-place nod. Eckerd weighed in with 16 points.

Saint Leo finished fourth in last year's SSC standings, tallying a 15-5-2 overall record with a 5-3 conference mark. The Lions saved their best soccer for the postseason, posting three overtime wins, including two penalty kick shootout victories, to win the SSC tournament and earn a bid in the NCAA regional.

The young Spartan squad will return five starters from last season's team, which advanced to the NCAA South Regional semifinals after defeating Saint Leo in the opening round of the NCAA's. Sophomores Brittan Spence (6 G, 7 A), Samantha Kay (6 G, 2 A) and Jazmin Perry (5 G, 4 A) look to lead Tampa offensively as classmate Kendall Bourdon (1.07 GAA, 4 ShO) returns in goal.

2009 SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE PRESEASON WOMEN'S SOCCER POLL
Rank - School, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Saint Leo, 120 (10)
2 - Rollins, 115 (8)
3 - Florida Southern, 98
4 - Tampa, 90
5 - Florida Tech, 66
6 - Barry, 56
7 - Lynn, 44
8 - Nova Southeastern, 43
9 - Eckerd, 16