Storm selected seventh in preseason poll
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Simpson College men's tennis team was selected seventh in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the conference office, Thursday.
Defending conference champion Luther was selected first, receiving eight of the nine first-place votes that led to a total of 64 points. Coe, who was tabbed second, earned the remaining first-place vote to gain 57 points. Wartburg came in third with 47 points, with Loras taking the fourth spot with 43 points. Central (36 points), Nebraska Wesleyan (31 points), and Simpson (18 points) took fifth through seventh, while Dubuque (16 points) and Buena Vista (12 points) rounded out the poll.
The Storm return five of their top six singles players from last season, including senior Caleb Vasconez, who played at the No. 1 singles spot almost exclusively. Aaron Price, who played at both the No. 2 and No. 3 singles spots, went 4-4 in conference play. Drake Downing also finished 4-4 in the conference in singles play last season, including embarking on a team-leading three match win streak in the heart of conference play.
Also returning are Ethan Humble and Chase Henry. In the Storm's lone match in the fall against Iowa Wesleyan, Henry partnered with Downard to claim a win for the Storm at No. 3 doubles. Zachary Ambrose rounds out the returners for the Storm, picking up a win at the A-R-C Individual Tournament in September.
"Looking forward to seeing the seniors step up as leaders to the younger players," said head coach Matt Price. "These guys know how to compete which will show our younger players on how to compete the right way."
The Storm will open its spring season with two dual matches at Illinois Wesleyan on Feb. 11. The Storm will take on Principia in a neutral-site designated contest before facing the host Illinois Wesleyan.
A-R-C Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Luther - 64 points
2. Coe - 57 points
3. Wartburg - 47 points
4. Loras - 43 points
5. Central - 36 points
6. Nebraska Wesleyan - 31 points
7. Simpson - 18 points
8. Dubuque - 16 points
9. Buena Vista - 12 points
