SKILLMAN, N.J. --- The Tusculum College women's tennis team has climbed four spots and is ranked 27th in the nation according to the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association's NCAA Division II Poll announced officials Friday.

The Pioneers have opened the season 7-0, including Wednesday's 6-3 win over Mars Hill College in TC's South Atlantic Conference opener. Tusculum is also listed No. 8 in the ITA Southeast Region rankings.

Holding down the top spot in both the national and Southeast Region poll is Armstrong Atlantic. BYU-Hawaii is second, followed by Valdosta State, Lynn, Columbus State, West Florida, Abilene Christian, California (Pa.), Francis Marion and Clayton State to round out the top 10.

Tusculum will host No. 9 Francis Marion Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the Nichols Tennis Complex.

- TC -

ITA Division II Women's Tennis Rankings
Rk. Team Prv.
1 Armstrong Atlantic 1
2 BYU-Hawaii 2
3 Valdosta State 3
4 Lynn 4
5 Columbus State 5
6 West Florida 6
7 Abilene Christian 7
8 California (Pa.) 8
9 Francis Marion 9
10 Clayton State 10
11 Rollins 15
12 Northwood 13
13 Tarleton State 14
14 UC San Diego 26
15 Barry 21
16 Northeastern State 18
17 Florida Southern 17
18 Hawaii Pacific 12
19 Georgia College 19
20 Augusta State 25
21 Nova Southeastern 11
22 St. Edwards 24
23 Grand Valley State 16
24 Erskine 29
25 Cameron 30
26 Slippery Rock 27
27 TUSCULUM 31
28 East Central 28
29 Hawaii-Hilo 23
30 Flagler 35
31 Drury 20
32 Central Oklahoma 34
33 Incarnate Word 36
34 Midwestern State NR
35 Florida Tech NR
36 Charleston (W.Va.) NR
37 Limestone NR
38 Palm Beach Atlantic NR
39 Northwest Missouri St. NR
40 Lander NR

Tusculum Opponents in Italics

ITA Southeast Region Rankings
Rk. Team Prv.
1 Armstrong Atlantic 1
2 Columbus State 2
3 Francis Marion 3
4 Clayton State 4
5 Georgia College 5
6 Augusta State 6
7 Erskine 7
8 TUSCULUM 8
9 Limestone 9
10 Lander 10