NORTON - Ranked No. 20 in the preseason Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll, the NEWMAC Tournament finalist Wheaton College men's tennis team begins its season today at home against Emerson College.

Coach Lynn Miller's Lyons produced a 14-5 record last year, winning 11 of their final 12 matches before losing to MIT in the NEWMAC Tournament title match.

"The potential to have similar results is definitely there," said Miller, who in her 22nd season returns four of six starters from a year ago. "They are at least where they were last season if not a little bit ahead."

The team's lone junior in Neall Oliver of Portland, Maine, who won 11 matches last season at No. 1 singles and will be playing at No. 2 singles.

Senior Harry Altman of Riverdale, N.Y. earned All-NEWMAC honors in both singles and doubles for the second straight season in 2010. From the sixth singles position, Altman recorded a 13-4 record, including 4-1 in league play. He is currently slotted to play at No. 5 this season. Altman and senior Brian Krantz of Milford, Conn. sided for their second straight doubles league accolade, as the tandem went 13-4 at three a year ago. Krantz, who Miller deems the team's most improved player, will likely make the jump from fifth singles to the squad's ace. Krantz posted a 13-4 record at number five in 2010.

A first-time all-league honoree last year, senior Gregory Poulin of Boxboro notched 10 wins at second doubles and seven at singles and is slotted for the No. 3 singles spot.

Miller is excited about her team's ability to play smart tennis. "It's a hard sell to get players to understand and buy into the concept of constructing a point, mixing things up and not playing to opponents strengths," said Miller. "I'm noticing the men using different tactics of what's appropriate for the opponents they're facing. It's something I believe we're going to see more of this year."

The Lyons head to Hilton Head, S.C. for its annual spring trip beginning on Sunday.

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