Men's Tennis Picked Fifth in Patriot League Preseason Poll
January 16, 2014 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 16, 2014
BOSTON - The Boston University men's tennis team was projected to finish fifth in the Patriot League preseason poll, the conference office announced Thursday afternoon.
Army, which went 6-0 in the Patriot League in the regular season last year before being upset in the conference semifinals, topped the poll with 121 points and nine first-place votes. The Black Knights finished just ahead of Navy with 109 points and five first-place votes and defending champion Lehigh with 103 points and the remaining four first-place votes. Bucknell (76), Boston University (75), Colgate (63), Loyola Maryland (50), Lafayette (35) and Holy Cross (16) completed the poll order.
The Terriers joined the conference this past fall with four America East trophies with the last title coming in 1996. Highlighted by 7-0 sweeps over Holy Cross, Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart, they went 7-6 last season for their first winning record since 2007.
All six returning men earned a winning record in dual singles action, highlighted by junior Emilio Teran's team-high seven victories. Senior Chanon Varapongsittikul pulled out a combined six wins in the top two slots, while classmate Jesse Friederwent 4-6 in the No. 3 spot last season.
BU also returns three sophomores - Stefan Lemire, Eric Miller, Brandon Phan - who went a combined 19-5. They will enter the spring with five freshmen and sophomore Troy transfer Josh Hurd.
Guided by interim head coach Dejan Stankovic, the Terriers (0-2) return to action on Sunday, Jan. 26, at home against Fairfield at 3 p.m. Army will host the conference championship from April 24-27.
Patriot League Men's Tennis Preseason Poll
1. Army - 121 points (9 first-place votes)
2. Navy - 109 (5)
3. Lehigh - 103 (4)
4. Bucknell - 76
5. Boston University - 75
6. Colgate - 63
7. Loyola - 50
8. Lafayette - 35
9. Holy Cross - 16
