FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The 2019 Nova Southeastern Sharks women's tennis squad has made some historic moves this season in several facets under third-year head coach Doug Neagle – from delivering the best season since 2007, to a 12-win turnaround from 2018, to the first victory over Barry in 10 seasons and a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Championship final appearance. However, the Sharks aren't done just yet and the effort has been recognized with a program-best No. 3 national ranking by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
 
Earning a 21-4 record to date – sitting just one victory shy of tying the program record – the Sharks finished as SSC runner-up and are now ranked the highest in program history. The previous high for this season was fifth and the Sharks previously attained a No. 4 national ranking in consecutive years in 2015 and 2016.
 
Competing in the most dominant conference in NCAA Division II, the Sharks rank third nationally and third in the South Region behind Lynn and Barry. The league controls the top four national ranking slots.
 
"I'm really happy for the young ladies on this team that we've reached this ranking," Neagle said. "The season is a grind and they're the ones out there battling. We aren't satisfied and we know there's a lot of tennis left. Our goal is to keep getting better, leave it all out there and finish strong. Reaching our highest ranking is special and it's a credit to anyone who's been a part of this tennis program. It's bigger than just this team – a lot of Sharks our there should be proud."
 
Making their first appearance since 2016, the Sharks return to the postseason and will learn about their selection and opposition during the NCAA Selection Show on May 7 at 8:30 p.m. The NCAA DII South Region Championships are scheduled May 11-14 and the locations will be announced at a later time.