TEMPE, Ariz. – In a season that has become historic for the Averett University men's tennis program, the vibes continue to rise, just like its team ranking. The Cougars, after winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament, ladder up four spots to No. 33 in the latest ITA team rankings announced on May 7. 

Averett (16-4, 8-1 ODAC) march into its first national tournament appearance since 2000 on a hot streak, winners of six straight dual matches. 16 wins is the most for the team since head coach Bert Poole took the helm in 2015, producing memorable moments with a mixture of youth and veteran experience on the squad. 

The Cougars, despite being the only team to appear in the NCAA bracket from the ODAC, are joined in the national ranks by five other conference members who rounded out their respective seasons in quality ways. Runners-up in the ODAC finals, Washington and Lee University, join Averett in the top-25 at No. 20. Shenandoah University enters the top-40 at No. 38, Hampden-Sydney College and Randolph College rank back-to-back at No. 60 and 61, respectively, and Virginia Wesleyan University comes in at No. 65. 

Momentum has never been riding more than currently for Averett, as it journeys on to the postseason. The Cougars face off versus Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) conference champions Asbury University in the first round of NCAAs on Friday, May 9. Start time is set for 10 a.m.