Feb. 8, 2013

Coaches' Preseason All-SoCon Team

Elon tops Southern Conference Preseason Coaches Poll

Elon was first in tight voting in the Southern Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and as released by the conference office.

The Phoenix, under head coach Mike Kennedy (left), picked up five first-place votes and 93 points to finish ahead of Western Carolina, with three first-place votes and 88 points. College of Charleston was third with three first-place votes and 87 points. Samford placed fourth, followed by Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Furman, The Citadel, UNC Greensboro, Wofford and Davidson.

Elon was 20-10 in league play a season ago, one game behind leaders Appalachian State and College of Charleston.

The Cougars were the favorite in the media poll, with Elon second and Samford third.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all 11 teams in action. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 1-3 with Furman at Elon and Appalachian State at Davidson. The Southern Conference Championship will be held at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. The eight-team double elimination tournament will be held May 22-26.

2013 Southern Conference Preseason Coaches Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 SoCon, Overall Records)

1. Elon 93 (5) (20-10, 33-26)

2. Western Carolina 88 (3) (16-14, 32-24)

3. College of Charleston 87 (3) (21-9, 38-22)

4. Samford 65 (19-11, 41-23)

5. Georgia Southern 64 (15-15, 33-27)

6. Appalachian State 61 (21-9, 41-18)

7. Furman 42 (13-17, 28-31)

8. The Citadel 39 (13-17, 25-33)

9. UNC Greensboro 37 (10-20, 25-27)

10. Wofford 16 (9-21, 22-32)

11. Davidson 13 (8-22, 17-31)

2013 Southern Conference Preseason Media Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 SoCon, Overall Records)

1. College of Charleston 195 (10) (21-9, 38-22)

2. Elon 185 (4) (20-10, 33-26)

3. Samford 152 (3) (19-11, 41-23)

4. Appalachian State 143 (21-9, 41-18)

5. Georgia Southern 142 (15-15, 33-27)

6. Western Carolina 139 (16-14, 32-24)

7. The Citadel 87 (13-17, 25-33)

8. Furman 74 (13-17, 28-31)

9. UNC Greensboro 73 (10-20, 25-27)

10. Wofford 41 (9-21, 22-32)

11. Davidson 23 (8-22, 17-31)

(photo courtesy of Elon Media Relations)