Non-conference success has the NIU men’s and women’s tennis teams in the good graces of the MAC preseason poll setters.

The men’s team has a 6-3 record and opens MAC play March 29 against Buffalo while receiving 25 points, placing it second in the MAC preseason polls, one point behind Ball State. The Huskies and Ball State also received two votes, favoring them to win the MAC Tournament.

“I’m not sure that we are deserving of that quite yet, but it’s still a good honor,” men’s coach Steve Rodecap said.

At 5-3, the women’s team accumulated 59 points, earning fourth place nods from the committee. Coach Laura Scott’s team opens MAC play Feb. 28 against Akron.

Marshall led all women’s teams with 86 points and was followed by Eastern Michigan with 86 and Western Michigan 70.

“I’m happy with being picked fourth and how tight the race seems to be,” Scott said. “There are six teams that have a legitimate shot at winning it all.”