BYUH men get For the first time in school history, the Brigham Young-Hawaii men's tennis team moved into the top spot in the Division II national rankings a week ago. Ranked as high as No. 2 last season and previously at No. 3 this year, BYUH (7-0) jumped up two notches in the latest poll largely because of a 5-4 win over island rival and then-No. 1 Hawaii Pacific two weeks ago.
top tennis ranking
A win against HPU
was key to moving upBy Brandon Lee
blee@starbulletin.com"At this time of year, it's just a reflection of our win in that one match," coach Dave Porter said. "We know we're certainly a good team, but I don't think it's gone to (the players') heads."
With tough regular-season battles ahead -- including a rematch with current No. 2 HPU on March 19 -- and the national championship tournament still two months away, Porter said he and his players are not particularly concerned with their ranking.
They are focused on using the time from now until nationals to gauge their abilities against some of the other top teams in the nation, learning their weaknesses, and correcting them in time for a run at the national title. Besides facing the Sea Warriors, the Seasiders travel to Pensacola, Fla., next month to take on three other Top 10 teams.
According to Porter, simply qualifying for the 16-team national championships is more important than entering it as the top-ranked squad. Still, as one of the voters that determines the rankings, he doesn't deny keeping track of the pecking order or keeping his players aware of where they stand.
"I think (the players are) pleased that they're recognized as the team to beat," Porter said. "And they're excited to try and demonstrate they deserve to be there."
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