Tampa Picked Fifth in 2015 SSC Preseason Poll

MELBOURNE, Fla.-The University of Tampa women's soccer team has been selected to finish fifth in the Sunshine State Conference preseason poll, as announced Monday. The top five teams include Barry, Rollins, Saint Leo, Florida Tech, and Tampa.

Barry University has been selected No. 1 in the 2015 SSC preseason poll. The Buccaneers received 59 total votes and four first place votes in the poll. Barry is the reigning SSC regular season champions and received a one-vote edge over Rollins College for first place. The Tars received 58 votes and four first place votes after concluding the 2014 season as teh SSC tournament champions.

Tampa (13-4-4, 4-3-1), ended last season in the SSC tournament championship final falling to Rollins by a 6-0 score. Despite being selected to finish fifth overall in the SSC poll, first year head coach Erin Switalski is excited for the season with all the talent returning for the 2015 campaign. The talented UT squad returns several key players including All-Americans Cici Gonzalez and Lauren Moore. Other key returners include defenders Audrey Hayward, Miranda Gonzalez, and sophomore goalkeeper Caroline Frykgard.

Some key new faces for the Spartans are midfielder Nastasia Asgedom who is a transfer from the University of Central Florida and forward Gabby Scirica a transfer from Towson University. Coach Switalski feels that "both players can come in and make an immediate impact".

2015 SSC WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON COACHES POLL

The 2015 Sunshine State Conference women's soccer season opens up on September 3rd. Conference play begins on September 16th.

For a complete rundown of the SSC preseason poll click here