The Missouri Valley Conference released its preseason poll on Thursday and the Illinois State mens tennis team received a fourth-place positioning. The Redbirds, who have never won a MVC regular season championship, finished fourth in 2004 conference play.
The Birds came away with two singles titles at the MVC Individual Championships last weekend and head coach Greg Kennett believes the teams play at the tournament has something to do with its placing in the preseason poll.
I think it is a reflection of how the team did at the individual championships, said Kennett. We didnt do as well as we hoped last weekend. However, the top five teams in the preseason poll will be very competitive this year.
The Birds, who have won consecutive match play events by the score of 7-0, and whos only loss came against #34 Notre Dame, will have to improve in some areas to finish ahead of its preseason prediction.
We have to work on our doubles play which was quite disappointing at the MVC individuals, said Kennett. Our mental strength has to improve and we have to get tougher in big point situations.
Indiana State, who finished third in the 2004 regular season, was voted first, followed by SMS and Wichita State. Drake, who finished the 2004 regular season in first place, was selected to finish behind the Redbirds in fifth place.
