SKILLMAN, N.J.  – A month after appearing in the ITA/NCAA II national poll for the first time in program history, the Embry-Riddle men's tennis team vaulted 18 spots from No. 24 to No. 6 in the latest ranking released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association on Wednesday.
 
The Blue and Gold achieved the No. 24 ranking on Feb. 24 after earning wins against two ranked opponents – Rollins and Flagler. Since then, the Eagles have won five straight, including victories against former No. 1 and defending national champion Barry (7) and No. 4 West Florida.
 
Embry-Riddle also has individuals listed in the singles and doubles rankings. Senior Deni Zmak is ranked sixth in singles with a 12-3 record on the year, while another senior, Fabian Zierleyn, is 16-6 and is ranked 29th. Zmak and freshman Juan Ortiz Couder comprise the Eagles' top-flight doubles team and the duo is ranked 13th. Zierleyn is in his second season in partnership with Carlos Becke and that tandem is ranked No. 21.
 
Now 8-1 on the year, the Eagles will face another tough test on Saturday when second-ranked Saint Leo visits the Crotty Tennis Complex. Match time is scheduled for 1 p.m.