The Tars were five points behind the Lions in a poll conducted among the league's coaches and sports information directors.  Saint Leo received 10 first place votes, while Rollins was given eight first place nods on the poll, making them the only two teams in the league to receive a vote for the top spot.

Florida Southern earned the third position with a total of 98 points, while Tampa claimed fourth with a total of 90 points.  Florida Tech and Barry came in at fifth and sixth, respectively with 66 and 56 points.

Lynn University and Nova Southeastern battled for the seventh slot, with the Fighting Knights edging out the Sharks by one point 44-43.  The Eckerd Tritons completed the poll in ninth, weighing in with 16 points overall.

Rollins completed their best season in program history in 2008, going undefeated in regular season action and finishing with a record of 15-1-4.  Grabbing their first ever regular season conference championship, the Tars received their first bid to the NCAA Tournament, but fell in the third round to eventual national runner-up West Florida.

With nine veteran starters and 14 returning letter winners from last season's squad, Rollins looks to build upon their achievements as the new slate quickly approaches.  Expectations for the Tars are higher than ever, and with an abundance of depth and talent in both the starting lineup and in the reserve line, the 2009 crew can expect plenty success in the upcoming months.

Rollins opens up their 2009 season on the road as they travel to Savannah, Ga. to take on the Savannah College of Art and Design in a 6:00 p.m. matchup.  Their first home game of the season follows three days later with a women's-men's double-header against Carthage College.  Kick-off against the Lady Reds is at 5:00 p.m. at Barker Family Stadium and Cahall-Sandspur Field.  Fans can catch all of the action live on the Tars Sports Network at www.RollinsSports.com.