Phoenix Men’s Tennis Soars to Program-High No. 5 in ITA Rankings

LEBANON, Tenn.--The Cumberland University men's tennis team has achieved a historic milestone, earning the No. 5 spot in the latest NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll, marking the highest national ranking in program history.

The Phoenix, who hold a 14-9 overall record and compete in the highly competitive Mid-South Conference, moved into the top five in the final regular-season rankings of the year, surpassing their previous best of sixth.

"We have been working towards the goal to have the highest ranking in school history for men's tennis and we achieved the goal in the very last ranking that came out this season," said head coach Thiago Lins. "It is a special feeling and we are so thankful for the efforts from our current and former players to keep working hard to make this happen. The final goal now is to have the best national tournament possible and finish the season on a high note."

Cumberland joins Lindsey Wilson (No. 2) and Cumberlands (Ky.) (No. 12) to give the Mid-South Conference three teams in the top 15 of the national poll.

The top of the poll is once again dominated by perennial powerhouse Georgia Gwinnett, who remains undefeated at 9-0. They are followed by Lindsey Wilson, Our Lady of the Lake (Texas), and Tennessee Wesleyan just ahead of Cumberland.

Individually, Daniel Wessels is ranked No. 25 in singles play followed by Vitor Ferreira at No. 37 and Paul-Daniel Meyer at No. 51. In doubles, Meyer and Wessels are ranked No. 40 and the duo of Ferreira and Julian Parada are ranked 50th.

The Phoenix are getting prepared for the NAIA National Tournament. Cumberland earned the No. 12 seed and will open up against 21-seed Huntington on Tuesday, May 13.

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Players Mentioned

Vitor Ferreira: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Paul-Daniel Meyer: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Julian Parada: 5' 10"; Senior

Daniel Wessels: 6' 2"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Vitor Ferreira
: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Paul-Daniel Meyer
: 6' 2"; Sophomore

Julian Parada
: 5' 10"; Senior

Daniel Wessels
: 6' 2"; Senior