MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern softball team, under the direction of second-year head coach Julie LeMaire, has been chosen ninth in the Sunshine State Conference preseason poll, voted on by the coaches and released by the league office Tuesday afternoon.
 
Saint Leo is the unanimous No. 1 in the 2017 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Softball Coaches Poll. The 2016 SSC champs received 64 total votes and all eight possible first place votes from opposing coaches.
 
Rollins comes in second in the poll, with Florida Tech just two votes behind. The Tars and the Panthers both finished 2016 tied for the second best record in the league (17-7). Rollins won the regular season series, taking two of three games from FIT last season.
 
Barry comes in fourth place in the poll, while Tampa and Eckerd are tied for fifth place. Barry, Tampa, and Eckerd finished fourth, fifth, and sixth in conference play last season, respectively.  Florida Southern, Lynn and NSU round out the poll at seven, eight, and nine.
 
"I am extremely excited about the group of young ladies we will be hitting the game field with this year," explained LeMaire. "With the upgrades in athleticism and desire we have made around the playing field, we are looking to compete at a higher level day in and day out. The girls have been working very hard in practice to prepare for games and we are eager to get season started. I am looking forward to seeing them continue to grow as a team on and off the field to contribute to the future success of the program."
 
The Sharks, who ended their 2016 season with a 12-39 record (2-22 SSC) will look to bounce back in 2017, starting with the Florida Tech/Marriott First Pitch Classic hosted by Florida Tech Feb. 3-5. During the tournament NSU will face off against Armstrong State, Florida Tech, Angelo State and Palm Beach Atlantic.
 
For the full Sharks schedule, CLICK HERE.
 
2017 SSC SOFTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Rank 1 2 3 4 T5 T5 7 8 9

School (FPV) Saint Leo (8) Rollins (1) Florida Tech Barry Eckerd Tampa Florida Southern Lynn Nova Southeastern

Total Votes 64 54 52 41 33 33 24 13 10