The University of Mississippi Athletics
Soccer Coaches Tab Ole Miss Third In SEC West
8/19/2009 | Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ole Miss was predicted to place third in the Southeastern Conference Western Division, the same spot it finished last season, by the SEC soccer coaches in a preseason poll announced by the league office Wednesday.
Florida was selected as the favorite to claim the 2009 SEC title and the Eastern Division crown, while LSU was selected first in the West.
The Gators were selected tops in the East by garnering 66 total points (11 first-place votes), ahead of Georgia's 53 points. In the West, LSU was first with 63 total points (eight first-place votes) compared to Auburn's 58 points (four first-place votes) and the Rebels' 43.
The Rebels finished third behind LSU and Auburn a year ago with a 5-5-1 league record, while earning their 12th straight SEC Tournament berth. Ole Miss and Florida are the only schools to advance to each of the last 12 league tournaments. Ole Miss also boasts a 15-1-4 record against Western Division foes over the past four seasons.
Points were compiled on a 6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for each division, though each coach was not allowed to vote for their own team. Each coach also voted for one team as an overall conference champion.
Ole Miss kicks off the season with a road match at UAB on Sunday, Aug. 23, before opening at home with a Friday, Aug. 28, date versus Morehead State. Conference play is set to begin Sept. 25. The 2009 SEC Tournament will be held Nov. 4-8 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Ala.
Preseason Coaches Poll
(First-Place Votes in Parentheses)
SEC Champion: Florida (11), Auburn (1)
| Team | Points |
| Eastern Division | |
| Florida (11) | 66 |
| Georgia (1) | 53 |
| Tennessee | 43 |
| South Carolina | 40 |
| Vanderbilt | 25 |
| Kentucky | 19 |
| Western Division | |
| LSU (8) | 63 |
| Auburn (4) | 58 |
| Ole Miss | 43 |
| Alabama | 39 |
| Arkansas | 25 |
| Mississippi State | 18 |
