BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced its preseason coaches' poll for the sport of tennis. MSU Moorhead was selected fifth in the preseason rankings while junior Luzmary Diaz Castillo was named the Dragon 'player to watch'. 

MSUM was selected fifth alongside Minnesota Crookston and Winona State, who each earned 40 points in the preseason rankings. Augustana topped the poll with 81 points and nine first-place votes. Minnesota State, who came in second, earned the other first-place nod. 

"I am excited about how established and experienced this team is. Five of our starting players are upperclassmen," said MSUM head tennis coach Alexis Konecne. "With this brings valuable match experience that makes for stronger competitors."

The Dragons return several key contributors this spring led by Diaz Castillo and graduate student Shaelyn Johnson. Tiannah Gu, Claire Nemmers and Katryna Hansen have all seen valuable time on the court for MSUM. The Dragons also welcomed in freshman Sophia Felderman to the roster this fall. Diaz Castillo and Johnson were named All-NSIC Second Team doubles after collecting a 10-6 overall record, including a 7-2 mark in NSIC matches. Diaz Castillo had a 6-7 singles record a season ago, primarily in the number one position. 

"Luzmary is a very passionate player on court, but always has a good attitude win or lose," said Konecne. "She hits a great neutral ball that allows her to extend points. I am excited to see her compete this year."

The Dragons are scheduled to begin their spring slate on Sunday, February 9 when they host Gustavus Adolphus at Courts Plus Community Fitness. Action is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.