DU men’s tennis ranked 24th in NCAA-II preseason poll

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— The Drury men’s tennis team will start the 2022 season ranked 24^th in the nation as a result of the NCAA-II preseason coaches’ poll.
 
Barry is ranked number one to start the season, while Columbus State is ranked second and St. Leo is third.
 
Two other teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference are in the top 25, with Indianapolis ranked seventh nationally, and Southwest Baptist is ranked number 19.
 
The Panthers return nine lettermen from a team that went 10-6 last year. Head coach Jarrod Smith will enter his 12^th year as head coach of the Drury men’s team and his 17^th season overall with the Panthers. Smith ranks among the top 10 NCAA-II men’s tennis coaches in career wins and career winning percentage.
 
Drury opens the 2022 season with an exhibition match on Feb. 6 against Cowley Community College and will start the regular season at home on Feb. 11 against Harding. The Panthers will once again play their home matches at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.
 
Complete NCAA-II Men’s Tennis Rankings (Jan. 20, 2022)
RANK    TEAM
1            Barry University (9)
2            Columbus State University
3            Saint Leo University
4            Univ. of Hawaii, Hilo
5            Valdosta State University
6            Univ. of West Florida
7            Univ. of Indianapolis
8            Lander University
9            Hawaii Pacific University
10          University of North Georgia
11          Delta State University
12          Azusa Pacific University
13          Lynn University
14          Auburn University Montgomery
15          Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
16          Northwest Missouri State
17          Concordia University (Irvine)
18          University of Texas at Tyler
19          Southwest Baptist University
20          Wingate University
21          Washburn University
22          Southern Arkansas University
23          Tusculum University
24          Drury University
25          University of West Alabama
 
Others Receiving Votes (Alphabetical): Biola University, Cameron University, Flagler College, Hillsdale College, Ouachita Baptist University, Queens University of Charlotte, Rollins College, St. Mary’s University (Texas)
 
#allweDUiswin