XU Nuggets rank third in postseason for 2nd straight year

NEW ORLEANS — For the second consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 3 in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll. The NAIA announced the rankings Wednesday.
   
The Gold Nuggets (17-7) dropped from No. 1 after losing 5-2 to Embry-Riddle (Fla.) in the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala. Embry-Riddle finished second in the rankings after losing 5-4 to Georgia Gwinnett in the final.
   
The Gold Nuggets were the only NAIA team to defeat Georgia Gwinnett this season. Five of Xavier's victories were against teams in the postseason top 10.
   
Xavier was No. 3 in the preseason, fell to sixth in the first poll of the regular season but climbed to No. 2 on March 18 after winning 5-4 at then-No. 1 Auburn Montgomery. The Gold Nuggets then climbed to No. 1 after a 5-3 home victory against Georgia Gwinnett and held the top spot for two polls.
   
Xavier also defeated No. 6 Brenau, No. 8 Northwood (Fla.) and No. 10 Oklahoma Baptist.
   
The Gold Nuggets are in the final top 25 of the year for the third consecutive season and the ninth time in 10 seasons.

The postseason top 25:

1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
3. Xavier
4. Lindsey Wilson
5. Auburn Montgomery
6. Brenau
7. SCAD Savannah
8. Northwood (Fla.)
9. Vanguard
10. Oklahoma Baptist
11. Westmont
12. Graceland
13. Milligan
14. Davenport
15. (tie) Indiana Wesleyan
15. (tie) Concordia (Calif.)
17. Coastal Georgia
18. Lewis-Clark State
19. Cardinal Stritch
20. Northwestern Ohio
21. Marian (Ind.)
22. St. Thomas (Fla.)
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. Campbellsville
25. McPherson

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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