August 20, 2008
USA South Announces Preseason Polls
Soccer and volleyball polls released today

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  The USA South Conference office released the preseason polls today for men's and women's soccer and volleyball. The polls are based on votes from each conference member's head coach without voting for themselves.

N.C. Wesleyan College was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference men's soccer title in 2008. The Bishops will be looking to capture their second consecutive regular season title. The Monarchs have been picked fourth behind Greensboro and Christopher Newport. Head coach Justin Terranova has 14 players returning to go along with a wealth of talented newcomers. The team will open the season at Emory Aug. 30.

Methodist University, under the direction of third-year Head Coach Tony Tommasi, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference women's soccer title in 2008. The Monarchs have captured two consecutive regular season championships and earned their first-ever tournament crown last season. Methodist received nine of ten first place votes (81 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting. The women have 11 letter winners returning including seven starters as they prepare to kick off the season at Emory Aug. 29.

Christopher Newport has been selected to lead the USA South volleyball teams this season. Methodist received 40 points to come in sixth in the preseason poll. Head coach Eddie Matthews has five of his six starters returning while adding 12 newcomers to the team.

To read more about the preseason polls and to see the entire voting results visit: http://www.usasouth.net/