WINTER PARK, Fla. – Barry University’s volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the Sunshine State Conference preseason poll, as voted on by the league’s coaches.
The Buccaneers had 37 points, three behind Rollins. Barry went 17-13 overall, 9-7 in the SSC last year. The Bucs and Tars shared identical 9-7 league records in 2012. Rollins was 18-15 overall.
NCAA runner-up Tampa, which has won at least a share of the SSC title for the past eight years, is the preseason favorite to win the league again. The Spartans received eight first-place votes and 64 points. Teams are not allowed to vote for themselves.
Tampa went 32-4 overall, 16-0 in the league, losing to Concordia-St. Paul in an exciting five-set NCAA Division II Championship match.
Eckerd was picked second, receiving the only other first-place vote and 54 points. Florida Southern was chosen third with 53 points.
Barry opens the season Friday, Sept. 6 at the two-day Ram Rumble at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.V.
Rank – Team, Points (1st-place votes)
1 – Tampa, 64 (8)
2 – Eckerd, 54 (1)
3 – Florida Southern, 53
4 – Rollins, 40
5 – Barry, 37
6 – Lynn, 26
7 – Saint Leo, 24
T8 – Florida Tech, 13
T8 – Nova Southeastern, 13