CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Appearing in two of the last three Patriot League semifinals, the Boston University men's tennis team was selected to finish third in the conference preseason poll, the league announced Thursday afternoon. Voting for the preseason poll was conducted by the head coaches and sports information directors, who were unable to vote for their own team .

Army, who defeated top-seeded Navy for the automatic NCAA berth last year, received all 16 eligible first-place votes and the maximum 128 points. The Midshipmen received the remaining two first-place votes and totaled 114 points. The Terriers collected 97 points to place ahead of No. 4 Lehigh, who followed with 81 points. Colgate (72), Bucknell (66), Loyola Maryland (42), Lafayette (32) and Holy Cross (16) rounded out the poll.
 
Led by head coach Dejan Stankovic, BU will open the dual season with a doubleheader next Saturday, Jan. 21 against Southern New Hampshire and Siena, starting at 11 a.m. The Terriers in total will host six matches, including Quinnipiac (Jan. 29), Bryant (Feb. 5), Bentley (Feb. 8) and Sacred Heart (March 19).

Key returners include senior and two-time All-PL honoree Jay Leelavanich, who was named to the first team in the spring after posting a 7-8 mark at the No. 1 slot. Sophomore Satyajit Simhadri posted a team-high 10 victories at the No. 4 and 5 slots combined, while seniors Lucas Bombonatti, Jake De Vries and Mario Sandoval all had at least six wins apiece.

Patriot League Men's Tennis
1) Army (16), 128 points
2) Navy (2), 114 points
3) Boston University, 97 points
4) Lehigh, 81 points
5) Colgate, 72 points
6) Bucknell, 66 points
7) Loyola Maryland, 42 points
8) Lafayette, 32 points
9) Holy Cross, 16 points