August 20, 2008
Contact: Mike Christie, Assistant Commissioner

Methodist Picked to Capture USA South Women's Soccer Title

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - 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.

Christopher Newport University, winners of three of the past four USA South Tournament championships, finished second in the balloting with 73 points and the final first place vote. Following CNU, in third place, was Greensboro College with 65 points while Meredith College rounded out the top-four with 57 points. Ferrum College and N.C. Wesleyan College shared the fifth spot with 44 points each.

The women's soccer regular season gets underway on Friday, August 29 when Meredith and Methodist open their seasons with non-conference road contests.

2008 USA South Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Methodist (9)	81
2.	Christopher Newport (1)	73
3.	Greensboro	65
4.	Meredith	57
t-5.	Ferrum	44
t-5.	N.C. Wesleyan	44
7.	Shenandoah	32
8.	Averett	19
9.	Mary Baldwin	18
10.	Peace	17