The Crusader's women's tennis team has been picked to finish ninth in Horizon League play, according to the annual preseason tennis poll which was released on Monday by the Horizon League. The Crusader women received nine points in the polling.

 With key returners and promising newcomers, the Crusader women look to improve upon their record from the 2012-13 season. Valparaiso will rely on senior Kristin Zakiewicz who returns for her final season as the Crusaders' No.1 singles player. Also returning for the Crusaders is junior Michele Fredlake who has spent time at both No.1 and No.2 singles. Valparaiso will have plenty of experience this season, as the team returns five additional upper-classmen. "We are working very hard right now to prepare for the season," said head coach Traci Young. "We look forward to playing to the best of our ability, and after seeing our preparation, I have no doubt that we will be able to do just that."

 Favored to repeat as Horizon League champions for the 18th consecutive season, UIC captured six first-place votes to go along with 62 total points. The 2013-14 season looks to be highly competitive, as only six points separated the second, third, and fourth ranked schools in the poll. With two first-place votes and 53 total points, Detroit was selected to finish in second place. Cleveland State followed in third with 49 points, while Youngstown State was picked to finish in fourth with one first-place vote and 47 total points. Milwaukee, Wright State, Oakland, Green Bay, and Valparaiso rounded out the polling.

 Pending approval, the schedule for the upcoming women's tennis season will be released early this week.