Jan. 22, 2010

By: Lindsey Williford, Media Relations Graduate Assistant

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The No. 11 Tennessee Lady Volunteers were picked to finish third in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference in the tennis coaches poll released Friday.

The University of Florida was voted as the overall champion after receiving 11 of the 12 total votes, with UT collecting the additional vote. The Gators are currently ranked eighth in the initial Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll.

Florida also was selected as the favorite to win the Eastern Division championship, followed by No. 3 Georgia. Vanderbilt, ranked 22nd, came in fourth, while No. 17 South Carolina and No. 28 Kentucky rounded out the division in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

In the Western Division, No. 21 Mississippi squeaked by 25th-ranked Alabama, for the first-place spot. No. 19 Arkansas was picked third with No. 35 Auburn taking fourth. LSU, ranked 29, is in the fifth slot and No. 56 Mississippi State finished sixth.

The Orange and White open dual-match play at home today against No. 33 Illinois at 4 p.m. in Goodfriend Tennis Center. Live stats will be available at www.UTLadyVols.com.

2010 Women's Tennis Coaches Preseason Poll

Eastern Division

1. Florida 71

2. Georgia 57

3. Tennessee 31

4. Vanderbilt 31

5. South Carolina 29

6. Kentucky 12

Western Division

1. Ole Miss 66

2. Alabama 62

3. Arkansas 50

4. Auburn 32

5. LSU 29

6. Mississippi State 12

Overall Regular Season Champion: Florida (11 votes); Tennessee (1).