RICHMOND, Va. - VCU Men's Tennis was picked to finish first in the Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll, and Alfred Almasi and Mats Bredschneijder earned Preseason All-Conference honors, the league announced Wednesday.

VCU and Dayton tied for first in the poll with 94 points each. The Rams earned 4 first-place votes, while the Flyers received 5. Richmond was picked third with 75 points, followed by Saint Joseph's in fourth with 73 points and 1 first-place vote. 

Bredschneijder has already made an impact this season, earning Atlantic 10 Player of the Week honors following the opening weekend of competition. The sophomore is 2-1 in singles play this spring and holds a 4-1 doubles record alongside partner Erwann Bouchet, all on Court 1.

Almasi, in his second season with the Rams, earns his first career Preseason All-Conference selection. Last season, Almasi posted a team-best 22-6 overall record and was named First Team All-Atlantic 10.

With second-year Head Coach Dimi Kutrovsky leading a strong group of seasoned returners and bright newcomers, the Rams will look to capture the program's ninth straight Atlantic 10 championship. If the preseason poll is any indication, it could set up a rematch of the 2025 Atlantic 10 final, as VCU and Dayton appear poised to contend once again.

The Rams hit the road for the first time this season as they travel to Davidson on Feb. 13 for a 5 p.m. matchup.
 

2026 Preseason Men's Tennis Poll

1. Dayton (5) - 94
VCU (4) - 94
3. Richmond - 75
4. Saint Joseph's (1) - 73
5. Fordham - 52
6. Davidson - 51
7. George Mason - 50
8. Duquesne - 28
9. Saint Louis - 19
10. St. Bonaventure - 14