Men's Tennis picked fourth in NACC Preseason Poll

WAUKESHA, Wis. – For just the second time since the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference began during the 2007 season, the Concordia University Wisconsin Men's Tennis team is not the preseason favorite according to the league poll. The Falcons were picked to finish fourth, as the coaches and sports information directors preseason poll was released Tuesday.

CUW has won six conference championships in eight years during the NACC era. Last season the Falcons finished tied for second in the regular season, behind MSOE. Wisconsin Lutheran won the NACC Tournament last spring.

MSOE was the favorite, receiving eight first-place votes for 145 points. The Raiders were also picked as the favorite in 2011, the only other time the Falcons were not. In 2011, CUW captured the conference regular season crown.

Edgewood also received eight first-place votes and was picked for a second-place finish, totaling 142 points. Wisconsin Lutheran (128) and CUW (120) each received a first-place vote and were slotted for third and fourth, respectively.

Aurora is fifth in the preseason poll with 95 points and followed by Concordia Chicago (64), Dominican (57) and Lakeland (37). Marian (22) rounded out the poll.

CUW will feature several new players in its lineup this season after losing some key pieces. The Falcons will have to replace All-NACC First Team selections in Russell Johnson and Skip Turner. The Falcons are also in year one under head coach Steve Anschutz. 

The Falcons will open their 2015 season Friday night against Ripon College. CUW and Ripon will meet at the Pleasant Valley Tennis & Fitness Club in Jackson, Wis. at 6 p.m.

2015 NACC Preseason Coaches' and SIDs' Poll
1) MSOE (8), 145
2) Edgewood (8), 142)
3) Wisconsin Lutheran (1), 128
4) CUW (1), 120
5) Aurora, 95
6) Concordia Chicago, 64
7) Dominican, 57
8) Lakeland, 37
9) Marian, 22