D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW 2006--WOMEN'S SOCCER

Our pre-season fall sports previews continue with a brief outlook on women's soccer. Predicted order of finish is courtesy of both the GSC and PBC, respectively.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

1. West Florida

2. Montevallo

3. Harding

4. West Georgia

5. Alabama-Huntsville

6. Christian Brothers

7. North Alabama

8. Ouachita Baptist

9. Delta State

Analysis: Despite an upset loss to former GSC member Lincoln Memorial in the finals of last year's conference tournament, the Argonauts did manage to avenge that defeat in the NCAA tournament, as UWF won 3-1 to advance to the national quarterfinals. UWF once again will have the target on its back in 2006, as the Argonauts were the unanimous favorite to finish on top in the GSC. As for Lincoln Memorial, the Railsplitters are now in the South Atlantic Conference.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

1. Columbus State

2. Clayton State

3. Armstrong Atlantic State

4. UNC Pembroke

5. USC Upstate

6. Lander

7. GC&SU

8. North Georgia

9. USC Aiken

10. Georgia Southwestern

Analysis: Clayton State may be the defending regular season and tournament champions in the PBC, but Columbus State is the team to beat in the conference entering 2006. At least that's what the coaches say. It appears the only real race in the PBC just might be for third place, as both the Lady Cougars and Lakers might find themselves in a two-way battle for the top seed in the conference tournament in late October. After all, both Columbus State and Clayton State shared the PBC regular season title last season, with the Lakers eventually advancing to the NCAA Division II tournament. It'll be interesting to see how things unfold this fall.