Jan. 3, 2018
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With the dual season around the corner, the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) has released its first team rankings of the 2017-18 season. The 2017 SEC Champion Vanderbilt Commodores landed at No. 2 in the season-opening poll, the highest-ranked team from the Southeastern Conference.
Vanderbilt enjoyed a fruitful fall tournament season, and it returns seven student-athletes from last year’s NCAAA semifinalist team, including reigning SEC Player of the Year, Astra Sharma.
Twelve SEC teams earned a preseason ranking or received votes in the first installment of Oracle/ITA rankings, including a nation-leading nine teams in the top 25 and three teams in the top 10. Florida and Georgia directly follow VU at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
The Commodores open the spring returning to one of their favorite tournaments, the Miami Spring Invite. Tournament action begins Jan. 19 from Coral Gables, Fla. and last until Jan. 21. The Dores’ first dual match of the season takes place at home on Jan. 26 against Nebraska at 3 p.m.
All Vanderbilt tennis matches are free to the public, with most winter matches played inside the comfy confines of the Currey Tennis Center. Follow @VandyWTennis on Twitter and Instagram for updates and information.
