Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams have both been picked to finish first in this year's RMAC Championship race.

The preseason poll, and team, was released today (January 25). Head coaches voted on the makeup of both; they couldn't vote for their own team or players.

On the men's side, UNK received eight points and four of the seven first place votes. Western New Mexico (14; three first place votes) is second in the seven-team race with Metro State third.

Kearney is looking for its first RMAC title, regular season or tournament, since 2008.

The Loper women tallied seven points and five of the seven first place nods. Colorado Mesa (13) is second with Metro (18; one first place vote) third.

UNK has won the last two RMAC regular season titles and three of the last four RMAC Tournaments.

Individually, senior Nickola Messbarger (Kearney Catholic H.S.) and sophomore Vanessa Gunawan (Indonesia) were chosen to the six-person preseason women's team.

The Loper men also had two of the six selections in senior Josh Raymond (Elkhorn) and sophomore Yeswanth Nadella (India).

Both teams begin thier season in late February; go HERE to see the complete team.