WINTER PARK, Fla. (August 15, 2012) - The Rollins volleyball team continues to surprise all as they were picked second in the 2012 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Poll, it was announced Wednesday.

Rollins collected 164 points and the remaining two first-place votes, while Tampa was picked, once again, to take the league championship.  The Spartans received 192 points and 16 first-place votes. 

The Tars tied for third last season in the final league standings with an 11-5 record, the most conference wins in program history.

Eckerd finished third in the poll with 148 points while Florida Southern (134) and Saint Leo (91) round out the top-five.

Lynn (88), Barry (67), Nova Southeastern (64) and Florida Tech round out the bottom half of the standings.

Rollins returns 11 letterwinners and six starters, losing only one in libero Phoebe Corder.  The Tars will be led by All-American Megan Hodges, who ranked 16^th in the nation in kills per set and 19^th in points per set.  Aiding the Tars to the league's third-best hitting percentage is senior setter Kiana Parks.  Parks led the conference with 10.82 assists per game, which ranked 27^th in the country. 

The Tars will open up their 2012 slate on home with the Rollins Invitational on Aug. 31.  Rollins is set to face Kentucky State at 8 p.m.

2012 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Poll
Rank - Team, Points (1^st Place Votes)
1 - Tampa, 192 (16)
2 - Rollins, 164 (2)
3 - Eckerd, 148
4 - Florida Southern, 134
5 - Saint Leo, 91
6 - Lynn, 88
7 - Barry, 67
8 - Nova Southeastern, 64
9 - Florida Tech, 24