N.C. State gymnastics earned top billing in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League preseason poll. The Wolfpack claimed two first place votes to take the number one spot. Defending champion North Carolina is ranked second.

The Wolfpack took first with 42 points, a year after spending the entire season ranked inside the top 25. N.C. State has not won an EAGL crown since 2009.

The Tar Heels were two points shy of N.C. State, while West Virginia came in third at 38 points. Maryland (34) and New Hampshire (31) round out the top five.

The Pack's season opens this weekend when it hosts Florida on Friday.

Votes were cast by the league's eight head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.

Football

Three East Carolina seniors have accepted invitations to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl game.

Wide receiver Lance Lewis and cornerback Emanuel Davis will take part in the game on Jan. 21

Lewis, who spent two years with Pirates after transferring from East Mississippi Community College, was a second team, all Conference USA selection. He ended his ECU career as the program's record-holder with 22 touchdown catches. Lewis also ranks third on Pirates' all-time receptions chart with 149 and fifth in yards with 1,716.

Davis, a two-time second-team all C-USA honoree, was a three-year starter in the East Carolina secondary. He ended his career with 230 tackles, 13.5 for losses, and 36 pass breakups. His nine career interceptions are the 11th most in Pirate history.

Tennis

The N.C. women's team received a No. 34 ranking in the first poll of the 2012 season by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Last spring, the Wolfpack women enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in school history, culminating in a No. 25 ranking.

Sophomore Joelle Kissell was given a No. 40 ranking in the opening poll. Kissell led the Pack during the fall, accumulating a record of 9-3 in singles. Two of her wins came against ranked opponents.