DES MOINES, Iowa - The Drake men's tennis team was recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for its 2011-12 campaign as the Bulldogs finished 47th in the final ITA national rankings released earlier this week.

"I think our final ranking reflects the overall improvement in our program throughout the past year," Drake head coach Evan Austin commented. "I'm looking forward to the group we have coming back and taking another step next season."

The Bulldogs captured their sixth NCAA Tournament berth in school history on the strength of a 24-3 ledger and will return five starters next season.