By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – In its first year competing in the new-look Horizon League, the Tennessee Tech tennis team was predicted to finish in second place in the South Division as part of the 2023 Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's 11 coaches.
Following an announced partnership with the Ohio Valley Conference back in July, the Golden Eagles join Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois Southern Indiana and Lindenwood as current OVC schools that help make up the South Division in the Horizon League, while former conference competitor, Belmont, rounds out the six-squad division. The Bruins were chosen to claim the South Division behind five first-place votes. Tech secured the other first-place nod.
Cleveland State was selected to capture the North Division thanks to three first-place votes, while Youngstown State was picked to finish in second with two first-place votes in its back pocket. IUPUI and Northern Kentucky tied for third in the poll, while Chicago State rounded out the five-team division.
The Golden Eagles head into the spring with more than their fair share of championship pedigree after seizing another OVC Tournament title in 2022 behind a victory over Belmont in the championship clash. Tech's title put the purple and gold in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in the last six full seasons, while the conference crown represented the program's 11th overall tourney championship.
TTU kicks off its 2023 slate with a Saturday, Jan. 14 doubleheader at No. 6 Tennessee. Conference play begins Mar. 18 with a matchup at Lindenwood.
The Horizon League Tournament is set for Apr. 28-30 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Photo by Thomas Corhern