MONTGOMERY, Ala. – William Carey edged out Xavier for the top spot in the 2027 Southern States Athletic Conference Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Preseason Poll. 
 
The Crusaders claimed five of seven first-place votes, with Xavier taking the other two. William Carey, Xavier and Loyola were top three in some order on all seven ballots. 
 
Marc Lux, William Carey Head Coach: “It’s an honor to be picked first, but this is only the beginning. We’re excited to get to work and prove ourselves on the court.”
 
2027 SSAC M&W Tennis Championships
All seven teams will qualify for the 2027 championships, set for April 14-17 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. 
 
2027 SSAC Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Preseason Poll
1. William Carey - 47 (5)
2. Xavier - 43 (2)
3. Loyola - 36
4. Mobile - 28
5. UT Southern - 17
6. Blue Mountain - 15
7. Abraham Baldwin - 10