FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Fairfield University men's tennis team was picked to finish second in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in 2010 according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Stags received 43 points in the poll, just five behind Marist which was picked to repeat as MAAC Champions. Fairfield went 18-2 overall in 2009 to set the program record for wins and earn a national ranking. At 6-0 in the league, the Stags captured the MAAC Regular Season Championship for the first time in more than 10 years.

Fairfield, under the guidance of 2009 MAAC Coach of the Year Ed Paige, returns almost of that squad which includes Joe Michalisin, the 2009 MAAC Rookie and Player of the Year. The Stags also return All-MAAC selections Rob Ferrante, Ryan Berthod, and Dan Sauter.

Niagara was third with 32. Saint Peter's totaled 27 points to finish fourth, followed by Loyola (21), Siena (17), and Rider (8).

Fairfield got its 2010 campaign started last weekend with a tough 6-1 loss at Army. The Stags are back in action on February 6 when they host Stony Brook at Stamford Indoor.