Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's tennis team has been projected to finish fourth in the Midwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Thursday.

The Lady Blues will rely on seniors Michelle Maag and Hannah Lueke for leadership in the 2024-25 season. Maag, from Jerseyville, Illinois, was part of the All-Conference Doubles team last year alongside junior Lily Ingram. The team secured a top-four finish last fall and advanced to the conference's team tournament in the spring.

Grinnell College was selected by the league's seven head coaches to win the championship for the fifth consecutive season, receiving 35 points and five first-place votes. The Pioneers concluded last season with a 21-4 overall record and an unblemished 6-0 mark against MWC opponents, securing their 18th conference championship and making their 13th NCAA Tournament appearance.

Lake Forest College ranked second in the poll with 32 points and received the remaining two first-place votes. Cornell College placed third with 26 points, followed by Illinois College (20), Monmouth College (13), Lawrence University (12), and Ripon College (9).

The regular season will conclude with the 2024 MWC Women's Tennis Individual Tournament on October 19-20 at the Nielsen Tennis Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

In spring, the top four teams will compete in the 2025 MWC Women's Tennis Team Tournament on Saturday, May 3. The winner of this single-elimination event will earn both the MWC tournament title and an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Women's Tennis Tournament.

2024-25 MWC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll Results:

1. Grinnell College (5) – 35 points

2. Lake Forest College (2) – 32 points

3. Cornell College – 26 points

4. Illinois College – 20 points

5. Monmouth College – 13 points

6. Lawrence University – 12 points

7. Ripon College – 9 points