University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Men's Tennis Picked Sixth in Big South Poll
01.12.2012 | Men's Tennis
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BigSouthSports.com) - The Radford University's men's tennis team has been voted first in the Big South Conference's annual preseason poll by the League's head coaches, it was announced today by the Conference office. The Highlanders totaled five first-place bids and 61 points and is the preseason pick for the fourth time in the last nine seasons.
Following the Highlanders in second by 12 points was Winthrop with one first-place bid and 49 points. In third with two top votes and 43 points was Liberty, one point ahead of Campbell, which received 42 points. Coastal Carolina landed in the No. 5 slot with 38 points, while UNC Asheville's 24 points was good for sixth. Rounding out the poll was Gardner-Webb with 21 points and Presbyterian College, which earned 10 points.
The Bulldogs finished last season with a 10-11 overall record and advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament. Asheville returns six lettermen from last year's club.
"We do not worry about pre-season polls," stated Asheville coach Lise Gregory. "We think we have a good chance to finish higher than sixth place this season. I like the team we have. They worked hard in the fall and have a chance to be a real contender this year."
The 2012 Big South men's tennis season begins this Saturday, Jan. 14, with UNC Asheville and Gardner-Webb at North Carolina State. The first Conference match will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, as Campbell will host Winthrop. The Big South Men's Tennis Conference Championship is slated for Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21, and will be hosted by UNC Asheville.
