Jean Love Interview

Rock Hill S.C. – The South Atlantic Conference released its preseason men's tennis poll early today, Carson-Newman was voted 10^th with 52 points.

"Some of the things we have to do is start making shots here and there," Carson-Newman coach Jean Love said. "Winning some matches, we are capable of winning matches." 

Last season Carson-Newman finished the 2015-2016 season with a 6-14 overall record and a 3-8 conference record.

Carson-Newman is led by second-team All-SAC senior Joao Pedro Oliveira (Brazil), who finished last season with an 8-11 record at No.1 singles.

The Eagles also return Jesus Barcete (Madrid, Spain) and Kevin Mendes (Chattanooga, Tenn.), each picked up nine wins during singles competition.

The top newcomer for Carson-Newman is Rodolfo Schwarz (Brazil), who is coming back to Carson-Newman after taking a break from college. Schwarz completed last played for the Eagles during the 2009-2010 season and was a second-team all-conference performer at year end.

The Queens Royals were voted first-place in the conference by the coaches with 135 points and five first-place votes. Last season the Royals finished the season in third place with a 9-2 record in conference play and a 15-4 overall record.

Wingate came in second place with 125 total points and five first-place votes, followed by defending SAC champions Tusculum Pioneers with 107 total points and two first-place votes.

Newberry was voted into fourth place followed by Anderson at five and Lincoln Memorial at six. Lenoir-Rhyne is slotted in seventh place with 67 points, just edging out Coker who accumulated 66 points which was good for eighth place. Catawba was placed ninth with 55 total points.

The Two teams that finished below Carson-Newman in the preseason rankings were Mars Hill and Brevard respectively.   

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