Juniata women’s tennis lands seventh on Landmark preseason poll

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College women's tennis was chosen by Landmark Conference head coaches and sports information directors to finish the 2012 season seventh in the league, released Wednesday. 

Moravian College clinched the first slot with a unanimous vote and 65 points. The University of Scranton came in at No. 2 with 50 points after a Landmark semifinal upset last season to reach its second ever Landmark title match.

No. 3 Catholic University of America earned 47 points in the voting, as the Cardinals return two All-Conference players. Last season's top ranked team, Goucher College, earned 44 points to land the squad No. 4. The Gophers posted an unbeaten regular season conference record last season, but may have gotten bumped from the top ranks after losing three seniors.

Rounding out the bottom half of the poll starts with No. 5 Susquehanna University with 27 points. The Eagles received 14 points in the voting, 12 points behind No. 6 Drew University.

Juniata went 5-12 overall last season after a 4-1 start in the fall led by All-Conference singles honoree Stacie Beegle (Schellsburg, Pa./Chestnut Ridge). The Eagles will be led by new Head Coach Jason Cohen, who looks to improve on the squad's record by utilizing the four returners to the roster and the promising newcomers, including freshman Heather Waring (San Antonio, Texas) who posted a perfect 5-0 singles record during the fall season.

The Eagles will open their 2012 campaign in Hilton Head, S.C. versus Elizabethtown College on Sunday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m.

The complete poll is listed below:

LANDMARK CONFERENCE
2012 Preseason Women's Tennis Poll

1. Moravian College – 65 pts.
2. The University of Scranton – 50 pts.
3. Catholic University of America – 47 pts.
4. Goucher College – 44 pts.
5. Susquehanna University – 27 pts.
6. Drew University – 26 pts.
7. Juniata College – 14 pts.

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