AIKEN, S.C.--USC Aiken’s
women’s soccer team has been picked by the league’s coaches
to finish tied for seventh this season in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC),
the league office announced today. North Florida was tabbed as the favorite
to win the league championship. The Lady Pacers earned 18 points to tie
Georgia College & State University (GC&SU) for seventh in the
nine-team league.
The Peach Belt Conference takes on a new look in 2004. Defending conference
and national champion Kennesaw State is now playing at the NCAA Division
I level. Two new teams, Columbus State and Georgia College & State
University will play PBC soccer for the first time.
USCA was picked fifth on two ballots, sixth on one ballot, seventh on two
ballots and eighth on three ballots. The Lady Pacers’ season begins
on Sept. 4, when they host North Georgia College & State University
at 2:00 p.m., at “Pacer Pit.”
Last season USC Aiken posted a 3-12-0 overall record and finished last
in the PBC with an 0-7-0 mark. Head Coach Ike Ofoje (49-65-8 in seven seasons)
welcomes back 10 of 11 starters and a total of 15 letterwinners. Included
among the returning players is two-time All-PBC selection, junior Melissa
Schnoering.
USC Upstate (formerly USC Spartanburg) followed North Florida with 56 points
and Francis Marion was third with 51 points. UNC Pembroke (42 points) and
Columbus State (37 points) finished fourth and fifth respectively, followed
by Clayton State (26) in the sixth spot. With 17 points, Lander placed
ninth, one point behind GC&SU and USC Aiken.
Eight points were awarded for a first-place vote, seven for a second-place
vote and so on. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams. The
Lady Ospreys of North Florida garnered three of the possible eight first
place votes. USC Upstate picked up four votes for the top spot. Francis
Marion and Columbus State each had one.
2004 Peach Belt Conference
Preseason Women’s Soccer Poll
......School ...............Total
1. North Florida ...........59
2. USC Upstate ...........56
3. Francis Marion ........51
4. UNC Pembroke ........42
5. Columbus State .......37
6. Clayton State ..........26
t7. GC&SU ..................18
t7. USC Aiken ...........18
9. Lander ....................17
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