WINTER PARK, Fla. (August 15, 2012) - With the top four teams separated by just 19 votes, Rollins narrowly edged 2011 SSC champ, Saint Leo, as the preseason favorite to win their third conference title and first since 2009. The poll was conducted among the league's head women's soccer coaches and sports information directors.

Rollins received 166 points, including three first-place votes. Very close behind was Saint Leo, which placed second with 163 points with nine first-place votes. Tampa (154) checks in just behind the Lions in third while nipping on the Spartans' heels was Florida Tech, who received 147 points, including two first-place votes.

Lynn received 110 points to settle into the No. 5 slot in the poll. Nova Southeastern was sixth with 82 points.

Florida Southern (65), Barry (61), and Eckerd (24) rounded out the poll.

The Tars, who finished second in the 2011 SSC standings, return eight starters from a team that finished with a 14-3-2 overall record, including 7-1 in the conference. They will, nevertheless, look to replace three graduated all-conference selections, including SSC Defensive Player of the Year Michelle Dillingham and Charlotte Murrell, a two-time All-America selection and a four-time All-SSC selection.

Offensively, senior forward Ali Schrader will lend experience. Schrader, an All-SSC first team selection, was the Tars' leading scorer a year ago, ranking eighth in the SSC with 22 points on nine goals and four assists.

Senior captain Anita Cox who garnered first-team all-conference honors last fall, will anchor a Rollins defensive unit that proved very stingy in 2011. The Tars notched 14 shutouts in their 19 matches and also lead the league with a 0.41 goals against average.

Fans can follow Rollins women's soccer all season long on the Tars Sports Network at RollinsSports.com.

2012 SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE PRESEASON WOMEN'S SOCCER POLL

Rank - Team, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Rollins, 166 (3)
2 - Saint Leo, 163 (9)
3 - Tampa, 154 (4)
4 - Florida Tech, 147 (2)
5 - Lynn, 110
6 - Nova Southeastern, 82
7 - Florida Southern, 65
8 - Barry, 61
9 - Eckerd, 24