MACON, Ga. – In just its second year as a program, the Kennesaw State Owls men’s tennis team was selected 10th in the 2010 Atlantic Sun Conference Men’s Tennis Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

I feel like we’re still a really young team,” said Director of Tennis Operations T.J. Greggs. “But, I am optimistic that we are being underrated by the conference and we will have an impact in the A-Sun this season.”

The Owls finished with 27 points, six points ahead of Lipscomb in the preseason poll. The Black and Gold trailed Florida Gulf Coast by 11 points for ninth place and Jacksonville by 14 points for eighth place.

“We will be a lot deeper than last year,” added Greggs. “And, we have been working hard to improve on our doubles.”

Last season as a first-year program, the Owls (7-12, 2-7 A-Sun) finished in ninth place, ahead of Florida Gulf Coast and Lipscomb in the standings and just a game behind Mercer.

Ryan Bouttell, who was named captain for the upcoming season, is back to lead the Owls. The sophomore finished last season with a 12-3 record in singles play and a 5-2 record playing at No. 5 singles.

Kennesaw State will open up the season on Friday, Jan. 29 when they travel to play the Memphis Tigers.

2009-10 Atlantic Sun Conference
Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll

Rank, School (1st-Place Votes), Points
1. ETSU (8) -118
2. USC Upstate (1) -102
2. Stetson (1) - 102
4. UNF (1) - 88
5. Belmont - 73
6. Campbell - 72
7  Mercer - 44
8. Jacksonville - 41
9. FGCU - 38
10. Kennesaw State - 27
11. Lipscomb - 21

Tournament Champion
ETSU (7 Votes)

Preseason Player of the Year
Davy Sum, Campbell