TEMPE, Ariz. – The Hawai'i Pacific University men's tennis team starts the 2022 season ranked ninth in the Preseason Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II Men's Tennis Coaches Poll.
HPU was voted in the ninth spot, just ahead of North Georgia and just behind Lander (S.C.)
The Sharks were 6-5 in the Covid shortened 2021 season, finishing as the West Region and PacWest Conference runners up on their way to the NCAA II Sweet 16.
Defending national champion Barry was the unanimous choice for preseason number one, with Columbus State (Ga.) second, Saint Leo (Fla.) third and PacWest champion Hawai'i Hilo fourth. Valdosta State (Ga.) was fifth, followed by West Florida, Indianapolis, Lander, HPU and North Georgia.
In addition to UH Hilo and HPU, the PacWest Conference is represented by Azusa Pacific in 12th, Concordia Irvine 17th, and Biola receiving votes.
The Sharks face five of the top seven teams in the preseason poll, including defending national champion and top ranked Barry, along with No. 3 Saint Leo, No. 4 UH Hilo, No. 6 West Florida and No. 7 Indianapolis. HPU will also meet No. 12 Azusa Pacific, No. 17 Concordia Irvine and No. 21 Washburn to go with Biola and Rollins who are receiving votes.
The season starts on Saturday with an exhibition match against Hawai'i at 9:30 a.m., then cranks up with the Hawai'i Invitational on Feb. 11 against No. 12 APU at 11 a.m. at the Kailua Racquet Club.
+++ HPU +++
ITA Division II Men's Coaches Poll
January 20, 2022
| Rank |
School |
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| 1 |
Barry (9) |
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| 2 |
Columbus State |
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| 3 |
Saint Leo |
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| 4 |
Hawai'i Hilo |
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| 5 |
Valdosta State |
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| 6 |
West Florida |
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| 7 |
Indianapolis |
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| 8 |
Lander |
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| 9 |
Hawai'i Pacific |
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| 10 |
North Georgia |
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| 11 |
Delta State |
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| 12 |
Azusa Pacific |
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| 13 |
Lynn |
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| 14 |
Auburn Montgomery |
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| 15 |
Embry-Riddle (Fla.) |
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| 16 |
Northwest Missouri State |
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| 17 |
Concordia Irvine |
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| 18 |
Texas-Tyler |
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| 19 |
Southwest Baptist |
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| 20 |
Wingate |
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| 21 |
Washburn |
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| 22 |
Southern Arkansas |
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| 23 |
Tusculum |
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| 24 |
Drury |
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| 25 |
West Alabama |
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| Others Receiving Votes (Alphabetical): Biola, Cameron, Flagler, Hillsdale, Ouachita Baptist, Queens (N.C.), Rollins, St. Mary's (Texas). |
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