ATLANTA, Ga. - For the fifth consecutive season, the Lee University women's soccer team has been selected by the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) coaches as the favorite to capture the 2009 SSAC Women's Soccer Championship(s). Last season, the Lady Flames went unblemished in league play as they captured the regular season and conference tournament championships, as they went onto to win the national championship.

The Lady Flames posted a 24-1-1 on their way to the school's first ever NAIA National Championship. Coach Matt Yelton returns 8-of-11 starters in 2009, and appear to have the necessary firepower to put up on a strong defense of their conference and national championships.

Lee received all 9 first place votes and tallied all 81 possible points. Second to Lee was Auburn University Montgomery with 68 points. Shorter College was third with 61 followed closely by the 58 points by Brenau University.

This year, nine teams will be competing for both the regular season and post season tournament championship. The top eight seeds qualify for the SSAC Championship Tournament begins on Saturday, November 7, with the championship game held on Saturday, November 14. The winner of the tournament will receive the automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship.

Below is the complete 2009 SSAC Women's Preseason Soccer Poll: