ELMHURST, Ill. - The Oral Roberts University men’s tennis team earned the 3rd spot in the Summit League Men’s Tennis Preseason Poll, released today by the League office.

UMKC is the overwhelming favorite to repeat as champions after returning five starters from a club that won the 2011 Summit crown. The Kangaroos earned five of six first place votes and 25 points overall.

IUPUI earned the other first place vote and 21 total points, while Chris Milliron’s club checked in with 13 points.

The bottom half of the poll includes Western Illinois, IPFW and South Dakota State.

Returning sophomore Matthew Prevost anchos a team that finished 5-9 a season ago. The club was solid in Summit League play, going 4-3 and earning a spot in the Summit League Championship tournament.

ORU opens the 2012 schedule on Thursday, Jan. 12, when they take on cross town rival Tulsa.