Gold Rush again reaches all-time high of 13th in poll
Ed Cassiere 03/09/10

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana climbed one spot to 13th — matching the program's highest rank ever — in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll announced Tuesday.

XU gained two places in the women's poll to reach a season high of 19th.

The Gold Rush (7-2) improved its position despite a 9-0 loss Friday to Auburn Montgomery, which remained No. 2. The XU men were 13th twice previously — consecutive polls in March and April of 2009.

The Gold Nuggets (8-3) are 2-0 since the previous poll and improved their winning streak to six duals. They are one of three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25. Spring Hill is 21st and in the top 25 for the first time this season, and Mobile is 25th.

Xavier has been in the women's top 25 for 37 consecutive polls dating to Feb. 25, 2004, and in 20 consecutive men's top 25s dating to April 7, 2007.

The top-ranked teams again are Auburn Montgomery's women and Fresno Pacific's men.

XU's men will play Lamar at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the University of New Orleans Tennis Center, and both XU teams will compete in the AUM Spring Invitational at Montgomery, Ala., starting Friday.