SSC Announces Preseason Softball Poll

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Tampa softball team has been tabbed sixth while defending Sunshine State Conference softball champion Florida Southern has been chosen as the preseason favorite to win the 2008 title, as announced Friday by SSC Commissioner Michael J. Marcil.

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

Winners of the past four conference championships, Florida Southern edged out Barry with 33 points, including 11 first-place nods. The Buccaneers received 39 points and six first-place votes to place second. The third through fifth spots were tight, with Rollins, which garnered the other first-place vote, coming in third (71), followed by Saint Leo (73) and Florida Tech (76). Tampa accumulated 97 points to rank sixth in the poll, and Nova Southeastern, Lynn, and Eckerd rounded out the ranks.

With seven returning starters, the Spartans expect to continue their turnaround that took place last year. In 2007, UT posted a 29-20 record, which represented a gain from a 19-31 showing in 2006. Tampa welcome back three hitters who hit over .300, including SS Michele Horan (.316), OF/3B Kallan Casey (.312) and first baseman Samantha Becker (.307). Heather Van Landingham expects to lead the pitching staff after a 10 win freshman year where she posted a 2.31 ERA and 158 strikeouts.

2008 SSC Softball Preseason Poll
Place - Team, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Florida Southern, 33 (11)
2 - Barry, 39 (6)
3 - Rollins, 71 (1)
4 - Saint Leo, 73
5 - Florida Tech, 76
6 - Tampa, 97
7 - Nova Southeastern, 124
8 - Lynn, 137
9 - Eckerd, 160