2019 G-MAC Men's Tennis Coach's Poll Release
In its first season competing in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, the Hillsdale College men's tennis team rolled through the competition to capture the regular season and tournament championships. G-MAC coaches expect a repeat performance in 2019.
With a veteran lineup returning, Hillsdale was an overwhelming choice to finish first in the 2019 G-MAC Men's Tennis Preseason Poll, released Wednesday afternoon by the conference office.
The Chargers earned five of a possible seven first-place votes in the poll, and finished with 35 poll points overall. Findlay was ranked second with 29 points while conference newcomer Tiffin came in third with 27. Both Findlay and Tiffin picked up one first-place vote apiece.
A steady senior class is in place this season led by Justin Hyman, John Ciraci and Jerry Hewitt. This is the first class who will have played four years since the program was reinstituted in time for the 2015-16 school year. Junior Charlie Adams has won 31 total matches in his first two seasons with the Chargers, while junior Julien Clouette has excelled in a number of different flights through the first half of his career. Junior Michael Szabo has also shown steady improvement and figures to be a key part of the team's success this year.
Sophomore Gabe Katz has also rapidly improved his game from a year ago. Freshman Brian Hackman is likely to be an impact player in his first season. His twin sister Sarah plays for the Charger women's team.
Hillsdale begins its regular season Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ashland.
POLL RESULTS
| 1. | Hillsdale (5) | 35 |
| 2. | Findlay (1) | 29 |
| 3. | Tiffin (1) | 27 |
| 4. | Walsh | 22 |
| 5. | Davis & Elkins | 15 |
| 6. | Cedarville | 13 |
| 7. | Kentucky Wesleyan | 6 |