Dark Horse Teams of 2009

Chicago- Chicago simply underperformed last year. They had close scores with Kenyon and Wash U (losing 5-3 in each) and have shown that they can compete with the best. However, this team has never really gelled. A year of college tennis should do good for both Zhang and Walsh and they form a good 1-2 punch. A lot remains to be seen from their big recruit Stefanski who bowed out in the first round at the Central regionals. They pick up a good player in Brinker and if these players perform I can easily see this team ending up ranked around 12-13.

Gustavus- Always a powerhouse team but last year marked their big decline relative to other elite teams. They lost a great player in Bryan but somehow Kauss was able to win nationals. Their one shot this season will be at Indoors where their players are all accustomed to the lightning fast courts. If they don't make damage there, I won't accept them to be in the top 10. However, if they get up in doubles early they are still a formidable team to beat. They should finish around 11-12.

Carnegie Mellon- If this team ever learns how to play doubles they could be a top ten team. However, for the past few years I'd say they've proven themselves to be the worst of the top 20 teams in doubles. What they do have though is a very deep team and a good 4,5,6. Development should be big for them and I look forward to seeing how last year's freshmen evolve. They have players with great junior backgrounds but at a school as hard as CMU I'm sure they are struggling to get in enough time on the court. If this team can find a way to play dubs they will challenge the top teams.