MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The Barry University men’s and women’s golf teams begin the 2009-10 season ranked in the top-10 in the Division II by Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches Preseason Poll.
The Men’s golf team enters the season ranked #2 after finishing fourth at the DII National Championship last season. With 386 total votes, including four first-place votes, the Bucs are four points behind #1 Georgia College. Fellow SSC members Lynn earned a #4 ranking while Florida Southern was ranked seventh.
Behind the experience of Carlos Velez and Victor Billskoog, the men will look to return to the national championship for the second straight year. Velez was a member of the 2007 National Championship team, while Billskoog is a two-time GCAA All-American and both have experience in big competitions. Junior Chris Carlin and sophomore Daniel Stapff also return to round out the Buc’s top four finishers from last year.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by my peers who hold our team in high regard,” head coach Jimmy Stobs said. “However it’s only the fall, and the only poll that matters is the one that comes out in May.”
The women’s golf team kicks off the season ranked #7, after failing to make it to the NCAA DII National Championship last season. SSC rival Nova Southeastern earned top honors with 297 total votes including 10 first place votes. Rollins, Florida Southern, and Lynn also earned top 10 rankings at #2, #4, and #6 respectively.
Senior Anna Haglind leads the lineup for the women's golf team, finishing with a 77.36 stroke average last season. Senior Cristina Coll and newcomer Trish Gibbens add depth to the lineup as well.
“Our conference is so strong, that much of the completion in the country is right here,” head coach Patti Rizzo said. "I think if we can keep up with Nova, Florida Southern, and Rollins, we’ll return to the top five soon.”
The women's team returns to action this week at the Daytona Beach Invitational while the men return to action on October 5 at the Cougar Invitational.
