MELBOURNE, Fla. – A week before their 2018 season opener against Keiser on Feb. 1, the Nova Southeastern women's tennis team was picked to finish fifth in the Sunshine State Conference standings, as released by the league office on Thursday afternoon.

Under the direction of second-year head coach, Doug Neagle, the Sharks went 9-9 with a 5-4 SSC record and a berth to the SSC tournament in 2017.

"We are excited to finally get the 2018 season going," said Neagle. "The team chemistry is getting closer to where we need it and we always find ways to work through adversity. I have confidence in this entire team, this is the toughest conference in the country, so it is going to be a challenge. But that's what we want. I look forward to stepping on to the courts for our opener next Thursday."

With the departure of seniors Klaudia Boczova, Alex Kaeser and All-American Luicelena Perez, the Sharks will look toward senior Simone Pratt, who is currently ranked No. 39 in the ITA Singles National Poll, along with doubles All-American Isabella Lowrey to guide the Sharks to another postseason berth. NSU also signed Div. I transfers, Andrea Ivanovic and Ana Navas who bring experience and versatility to the lineup.  

Div. II runner-up, Lynn University was selected as the 2018 preseason favorite with 97 total votes and seven first-place votes in the poll. Right behind the Fighting Knights are the reigning national champions, Barry Buccaneers with 94 votes, four first-place votes. Florida Southern and Saint Leo finish third and fourth in the voting with 77 and 74 votes respectively.

2018 SSC WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Rank	School (FPV)	Total Votes
1	Lynn (7)	97
2	Barry (4)	94
3	Florida Southern	77
4	Saint Leo	74
5	Nova Southeastern	65
6	Rollins	57
7	Tampa	39
8	Florida Tech	34
9	Palm Beach Atlantic	32
10	Embry-Riddle	26
11	Eckerd	10