Men’s Tennis Tied for Fifth in MIAA/GAC South Division Preseason Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Southeastern men's tennis program was picked tied for fifth in the MIAA/GAC South Division Preseason Poll, voted on by the league's coaches.
 
Harding was selected to win the South Division with 50 total votes and nine of the ten first-place votes. Ouachita Baptist received the final first-place nod in second with 45 points, while Southern Arkansas slotted in just behind the Tigers in third with 31 points.  Northeastern State totaled 24 votes, just ahead of Southeastern and Arkansas-Fort Smith, who split the remaining votes, tied for fifth with 15 points.
 
The Savage Storm returns four players from last year's roster that finished 10-5 overall and 1-3 in conference matches. Highlighting the returners are Luke Tinnock, who's been a member of the SE program for three seasons, and Benjamin Fracassi, Jose Pinto and Eric Poindexter, who all begin their second year with the blue and gold. Additionally, first-year head coach Cari Groce strengthened the roster, adding five newcomers in the winter, which includes four freshmen and transfer Paolo Estrada from Cedarville University. 
 
The Storm will open the season on the road in Lawton, Okla., on Friday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. against Cameron. Southeastern will compete in 21 matches this spring, and nine of those will take place at the Southeastern Tennis Complex, including five conference matches.  


MIAA/GAC Preseason Poll

South Division

1. Harding (9) – 50 points

2. Ouachita Baptist (1) – 45 points

3. Southern Arkansas – 31 points

4. Northeastern State – 24 points 

5. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 15 points 

6. Southeastern Oklahoma State – 15 points

North Division

1. Washburn (9) – 50 points

2. Emporia State – 40 points

3. Northwest Missouri State (1) – 35 points

4. Nebraska Kearney – 26 points

5. Augustana (SD) – 19 points

6. Newman – 10 points