USA South releases preseason conference soccer polls
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Greensboro men and the Piedmont women are the favorites in the USA South Athletic Conference's preseason soccer polls.
The two teams were the conference tournament champions last season and are both ranked No. 1 in the polls released on Wednesday. Beginning its second season of USA South competition, Huntingdon is ranked ninth in the men's poll and 11th in the women's poll.
The Greensboro men received five first-place votes and a total of 93 points. Methodist was second with four first-place votes and 91 points, Maryville had one first-place vote and 81 points to rank third and Covenant was fourth with one first-place vote and 79 points. Huntingdon finished with 27 points.
In the women's poll, Piedmont picked up seven first-place votes and 137 points and Maryville was second with five first-place votes and 136 points. Meredith was third with 111 points and Methodist was fourth with one first-place vote and 110 points. Huntingdon totaled 43 points.
Both Huntingdon teams open the season on Aug. 29. The Lady Hawks open at home under the lights against Warren Wilson at Samford Stadium at 7 p.m. The men travel to Birmingham to play Oglethorpe at 5 p.m.
The complete polls are below.
2014 USA South Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Greensboro (5 first-place votes), 93 points
2. Methodist (4), 91 points
3. Maryville (1), 81 points
4. Covenant (1), 79 points
5. N.C. Wesleyan, 59 points
6. Averett, 56 points
7. Ferrum, 47 points
8. Piedmont, 39 points
9. Huntingdon, 27 points
10. LaGrange, 23 points
11. William Peace, 10 points
2014 USA South Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Piedmont (7 first-place votes), 137 points
2. Maryville (5), 136 points
3. Meredith, 111 points
4. Methodist (1), 110 points
5. Averett, 109 points
6. Covenant, 95 points
7. Greensboro, 70 points
8. LaGrange, 60 points.
9. N.C. Wesleyan, 56 points
10. Ferrum, 52 points
11. Huntingdon, 43 points
12. William Peace, 23 points
13. Mary Baldwin, 12 points