MEN'S RANKINGS | WOMEN'S RANKINGS

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released its NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Collegiate Tennis Rankings Thursday afternoon. Today's release not only featured the Top 50 teams, but also the Top 75 Singles Ranking as well as a Top 50 Doubles Ranking. The Lee University men were mentioned in each of the rankings with Nico Ramirez noted in the Singles Ranking and Bruno Medeiros joining Ramirez in the Doubles Rankings, while the Lee women were represented on the Singles Ranking by Ashleigh Simes.

The men settled into the No. 15 position (37.702 average) after making their debut in the team rankings at No. 14 (38.44 average) last week. The Flames are the third-highest ranked team from the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State is sixth (54.635) and West Florida is just ahead of Lee at No. 12 (41.462).

"Our guys have been steadily working and improving, so it's a nice recognition for them.," said Lee head coach Patric Hynes. "Hopefully this is the beginning of something great for us this season. We've got a lot of work to do in conference play."

Ramirez jumped from No. 33 one week ago to the No. 25 spot in this week's singles ranking. He holds the third-highest ranking in the conference. Luca Mack of Valdosta State is sixth and Juan Cabrera in No. 23.

"Nico has stepped his level up this year and is putting together a really good season. He's also invested in helping his teammates have success," added Hynes.

In the Doubles Rankings, Ramirez and Medeiros jumped 18 spots from No. 50 to No. 32. There are just three doubles teams from the GSC ahead of the duo. Rodrigo Carvalho and Mack of Valdosta State are No. 5; Muhamad Bedwan and David Rieme of AUM are 22^nd; and Lucas Hamond and Marcel Hornung of West Alabama are ranked No. 31.

"These guys help our team set a great tone in doubles. I'm looking forward to seeing more from them as we get into conference play," Hynes continued.

Simes was listed at No. 40 in the Women's Singles Rankings following a week where she produced a 1-1 record. She had been ranked at NO. 27 in last week's ranking.

"Ash is a coach's dream. She gives consistent effort every day and wants success for her teammates more than herself. I think that she still has a lot of improvement left in her game," concluded Hynes.

The Flames and Lady Flames are scheduled to return to action on Saturday against Christian Brothers University. First serve of the GSC contests are set for 10 a.m. EDT.