FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s soccer team was voted to finish ninth in the Peach Belt Conference preseason poll, which was released by the conference Aug. 20.

Defending Peach Belt Conference champion Armstrong Atlantic State was a unanimous choice to repeat as conference champions, receiving all 11 available first-place votes for 121 points.

Columbus State was second in the voting with 110, while North Georgia was third at 99. Clayton State and Lander rounded out the top-five vote getters. UNC-Pembroke, Georgia College and Flagler were also ahead of the Falcons. Peach Belt Conference newcomer Young Harris, USC-Aiken and Georgia Southwestern State rounded out the voting.

The top eight teams at the end of the regular season will participate in the 2012 Peach Belt Conference Championship tournament in Evans, Ga.

Montevallo will open its 2012 schedule on Friday, Aug. 31 against Barry University of Miami Shores, Fla. at Varsity Field at 7 p.m. The Falcons, who return 14 players from a year ago, will host 10 games on campus this fall.