The University of Minnesota men’s tennis team opens the 2007 dual season on Jan. 27 as the nation’s 34th-ranked team, according to the preseason preseason Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. The Golden Gophers also own two ranked singles players in No. 58 Raoul Schwark (Dalheim, Germany) and No. 77 Andres Osorio (Quito, Ecuador).

Under new head coach Geoff Young, Minnesota heads to Colorado to face Denver on Jan. 27 and Air Force on Jan. 28. The Golden Gophers open the home portion of their schedule on Feb. 3 with a dual against Rice at 6:30 p.m., at the Baseline Tennis Center.

The Golden Gopher will turn to a roster that is heavy on upperclassmen this season with seven seniors and three juniors. Last season, the Maroon and Gold posted a 15-12 overall record and a 7-3 mark in the Big Ten. Minnesota advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 12th time in the last 13 years, falling in the second round to Miami. One Golden Gopher – D.J. Geatz – qualified for the NCAA Singles Championships.

For more ITA Regional Rankings, log onto www.itatennis.com.