Florida was selected as the favorite to claim the 2005 women’s soccer title in the Southeastern Conference by the league’s 12 head coaches. This marks the ninth year that Florida has been tabbed by the coaches to win the title and the first time since 2002.
Kentucky was picked to finish sixth in the East by the preseason poll. The Wildcats are coming off a 6-12-1 record in 2004 and head coach Warren Lipka sees the potential for a much stronger finish from his Cats this season. Despite a disappointing record last season, the 13th edition of UK women?s soccer saw the Wildcats make an appearance in a conference-leading 12th SEC Soccer Tournament.
The Gators are coming off a 2004 SEC Tournament crown and a 16-win season. They earned six first-place votes, topping Tennessee who received five votes as SEC Champion. Florida returns six starters, including the Second Team All-SEC performer Melanie Booth.
Tennessee was selected tops in the East with 56 total points (six first-place votes), edging Florida’s 55 points and six first-place votes. Tennessee returns seven starters, including the First Team All-SEC performer Ali Christoph and Second Team All-SEC goalkeeper Vanessa Phillips-Bosshart.
In the West, Auburn was first with 60 total points (10 first-place votes) compared to Ole Miss’ 51 points (two first-place votes). Auburn returns seven starters from last year’s squad, including First Team All-SEC performer Ronda Brooks.
Points were compiled on a 6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for each division, though each coach was not allowed to vote for his of her own team. Each coach also voted for one team as an overall conference champion.
The Wildcats open the 2005 season on Aug. 26 when they play host to Michigan State. UK will travel to Louisville this Thursday, Aug. 18, for its lone exhibition contest of the season. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
2005 Preseason SEC Poll
SEC Champion: Florida (6), Tennessee (5), Auburn (1)
Eastern Division
1. Tennessee (6) ? 56 Pts.
2. Florida (6) ? 55 Pts.
3. Vanderbilt ? 39 Pts.
4. Georgia ? 32 Pts.
5. South Carolina ? 19 Pts.
6. Kentucky ? 15 Pts.
Western Division
1. Auburn (10) ? 60 Pts.
2. Ole Miss (2) ? 51 Pts.
3. Alabama ? 37 Pts.
4. LSU ? 24 Pts.
5. Miss. State ? 23 Pts.
6. Arkansas ? 21 Pts.
