TEMPE, Ariz. --- The Tusculum University men's tennis team is ranked 30th in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II National Team Rankings, the ITA announced Wednesday.
The Pioneers slipped three spots this week despite extending their winning streak with a victory over Lenoir-Rhyne in the conclusion of a suspended match on Sunday in their only action of the week. Tusculum began the week with an 11-4 overall record and a 7-0 mark in the South Atlantic Conference, prior to a 5-2 victory over Anderson on Tuesday.
In singles, graduate student Rhodri Atkinson is 55th nationally with a 15-5 overall record and a 6-1 mark in SAC comeptition. The Longhope, England native has been ranked in each poll of the spring season, reaching a high of 44th.
Joining the Pioneers in the top 50 from the SAC are Wingate (23rd), Anderson (31st), Carson-Newman (43rd) and Limestone (50th). The Pioneers are 3-0 against those teams this season with a match against Wingate looming next Tuesday.
Five Tusculum non-conference opponents from earlier this season are also ranked, led by Lee (ninth) and followed by Flagler (15th), North Georgia (16th), Charleston (40th) and Young Harris (41st). The Pioneers were 1-4 against that quartet, with a 4-3 win over Charleston on Feb. 10.
The ITA Rankings Algorithm is based on an accumulation of win points and loss points, accounting for a win-loss record, the strength of schedule, and the depth/significance of wins and losses. As the season progresses, the value of each win and loss adjusts to reflect the most recent ranking of the opponent.
The ITA will continue to release a Top 50 National Team Ranking, Top 75 National Singles Ranking and Top 50 National Doubles Ranking each week through April 24, with the final national and regional rankings unveiled in late May following the conclusion of the NCAA Division II Championship.
The Pioneers (12-4, 8-0 SAC) have adjusted their schedule due to the forecast of rain this weekend. Tusculum's showdown with Wingate (13-2, 8-0 SAC), originally slated for Friday, will be played Tuesday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nichols Tennis Complex. As a result, the match against Emory & Henry scheduled for Tuesday has been shifted to Wednesday, April 12 at 1 p.m.
