Tampa Tabbed Fourth in SSC Preseason Poll

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Sunshine State Conference announced its 2008-09 women's basketball preseason rankings with Tampa selected as the number-four ranked team in the conference. Nova Southeastern is ranked first, expected to retain the conference championship.

Voting is conducted among the league's women's basketball coaches and sports information directors.

Nova Southeastern earned 15 of the possible 18 first-place votes for 126 points. Barry was ranked second with 89 points and two first-place votes, followed closely by Lynn (88) and Tampa. The Spartans earned 85 points and the remaining first-place vote. Rollins was right behind Tampa with 84 points, followed by Florida Southern (57), Eckerd (53), and Florida Tech (34), while Saint Leo (32) rounded out the poll.

The Spartans return just one starter from last year's team which finished second in the conference and earned a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance while tying a school record with 24 wins.

Tampa will rely on a strong incoming group of two transfers from the University of South Florida and four prep standouts to replace the talent missed by losing seven letter-winners from last season's squad.

2008-09 SSC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL
Rank - School, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 - Nova Southeastern, 126 (15)
2 - Barry, 89 (2)
3 - Lynn, 88
4 - Tampa, 85 (1)
5 - Rollins, 84
6 - Florida Southern, 57
7 - Eckerd, 53
8 - Florida Tech, 34
9 - Saint Leo, 32