2008 NAC Men's Tennis Coaches' Preseason Poll 1. Concordia Univ. Wisconsin (8), 61 2. MSOE (3), 53 3. Concordia University Chicago, 42     Marian College, 42 5. Aurora University, 30     Lakeland College, 30 7. Dominican University, 21 8. Rockford College, 9 First place votes in parentheses.

Falcons chosen as favorites in preseason men's tennis coaches' poll
VERONA, Wis. -- The Concordia University Wisconsin men's tennis team has been picked to win the 2008 Northern Athletics Conference Championship according to the preseason coaches' poll.

CUW tallied five of the eight first place votes in the poll, totaling 61 points. The Falcons finished with a perfect 6-0 record in regular season conference duals last season, and a 12-10 overall record before claiming the conference championship. Their 60 total points in the championship were 26 more than 2007 runner-up Concordia University Chicago.

First-year conference member MSOE received the remaining three first place votes for 53 total points, and is picked second. The Raiders are coming off a 9-8 record as an independent in 2007, which included a 5-1 record against NAC opponents.

Last season's NAC runner-up, Concordia University Chicago (5-5, 4-2 NAC), and Marian College (4-9, 4-2) both totaled 42 points in the poll and are picked third. Aurora University (4-6, 3-2) and Lakeland College (2-8, 2-4) are picked fifth with 30 points, followed by Dominican University (2-10, 1-4) with 21 points and Rockford College (0-9, 0-6) with 9.

Four teams have already started their 2008 season this month. Conference play begins March 25 with all eight team in action. The 2008 Northern Athletics Conference Championship is will take place April 26 and 27 at Pleasant Valley Tennis Club in Jackson, Wisconsin. The 2008 season will conclude with the NCAA Division III Championship taking place May 3-4 (first and second rounds) and 14-19 (finals).

Northern Athletics Conference, Sports Information Department, February 18, 2008.