SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Feb. 11, 2005) - The East Tennessee State women's tennis team was picked to finish fourth in the Southern Conference this season as voted on by the coaches.

            Furman was the unanimous pick to win the 2005 Southern Conference women's tennis title and the College of Charleston was the only other school to pick up a first place vote.

            The Lady Paladins, the defending Southern Conference champions, came in at the top spot receiving 10 first place votes, collecting a total of 100 points. The College of Charleston finished second with 85 points. In the finals of the 2004 women's tennis championships, Furman edged the Cougars, 4-2.

            Davidson garnered 84 points for third, while East Tennessee State (75) and Wofford (57) finished up the top five.

Georgia Southern finished sixth with 53 points, followed by UNC Greensboro with 47 points and Chattanooga with 44 points. Rounding out the list were Elon with 26 points, Appalachian State with 20 points and Western Carolina with 13 points.

            Last season the Bucs finished tied for fourth 6-4 in the SoCon and 17-13 overall. Currently, the Bucs are 2-2 after picking up their second win of the season on the road against Virginia Tech 4-3.

            The Bucs host their first regular season competition on Sunday, Feb. 13. The day will present three matches for the Bucs throughout the day. They will face Virginia Intermont at 9:30 a.m., U Va. Wise at 5:00 p.m., and UNC Asheville at 7:30 p.m. in preparation for their first SoCon match on Feb. 25 at Elon.

2005 SoCon Preseason Women's Tennis Poll
1. Furman (10) 100
2. College of Charleston (1) 85
3. Davidson 84
4. East Tennessee State 75
5. Wofford 57
6. Georgia Southern 53
7. UNC Greensboro 47
8. Chattanooga 44
9. Elon 26
10. Appalachian State 20
11. Western Carolina 13