NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released its 2012-13 Preseason National and Regional Rankings this month, listing both CNU squads in the South Atlantic poll. The Captains men's team ranks 10th in the region, while the CNU women pick up a number 17 ranking. 

Both teams are under the direction of head coach Eric Christiansen in 2012-13, taking over the helm as Director of Tennis for the first year. Christiansen has been an assistant coach on the men's sideline for the previous five seasons and will now guide both squads.

On the men's side, CNU will have to deal with the loss of two regionally ranked individuals, including three-time All-American Eric Shulman. That said, Christiansen returns a solid nucleus and has added an exciting group of newcomers as well. The Captains wrapped up the 2011-12 season ranked 10th in the South Atlantic region and will kick off the spring season of 2013 with the same regional nod. Conference rivals from N.C. Wesleyan rank fourth in the region and USA south foes from Methodist are also in the poll at 14. 

Like the men, the CNU women's team will begin this season where they finished out a year ago, at 17th in the region. Led by senior Kim Morrissett, threatening to take down the all-time wins mark in her tenure at CNU, the Captains will look to continue growth under Christiansen. Marion Gloor and Melisande Downs round out the senior class and have been full-time starters and will return to help anchor the veteran group, playing in its final season in the USA South Athletic Conference.

The women's team will open up the spring season on February 8 as they take on Division I rivals Norfolk State while the men will do the same on February 9.