Methodist Picked To Win Men's and Women's Tennis

February 3, 2004 - The USA South Athletic Conference has announced the results of its 2004 men's and women's tennis pre-season polls and Methodist has been picked to win both.  The Monarchs won the women's Conference tournament and finished second in the men's in 2003.   On the men's side, Averett has been predicted to finish second.  The Cougars won the Conference tournament last year.  For the women, Christopher Newport has been selected to finish second, just as they did last season. The 2004 USA South men's and women's tennis seasons kick off February 15. 

The poll is voted on by the tennis coach at each institution.  Each school was not allowed to vote for its own team.  For the men, Methodist received five first-place votes and Averett received two.  On the women's side, Methodist garnered seven first-place votes, while Christopher Newport received the remaining one. 

The 2004 USA South Men's Tennis Pre-Season Poll follows (first place votes):

1.  Methodist                      35 (5)
2.  Averett                          29 (2)
3.  Christopher Newport     26
4.  Ferrum                          22
5.  Shenandoah                 15
6.  Greensboro                  13
7.  N.C. Wesleyan                7   

The 2004 USA South Women's Tennis Pre-Season Poll follows (first place votes):               

1.  Methodist                      49 (7)
2.  Christopher Newport     40 (1)
3.  Greensboro                  29
4.  Peace                           27
4.  Shenandoah                 27
6.  Averett                          23
7.  Ferrum                          22
8.  N.C. Wesleyan                7