TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's swimming teams are preparing to make a splash this weekend as they take on Northwest Conference opponents at home in the first set of conference dual meets.

The Lutes made a strong impression at the NWC Relays and Sprints, with the women placing first in both the Sprints and the Relays and the men placing second in the Relays and third of seven teams in the Sprints.

After such a showing, junior Lauren Kearney had a chance to reflect upon where the team stands in terms of their spot in the season.

"Our competition last weekend really opened our eyes to the fact that we are entering our competition season," said Kearney.  "It's an exciting thought because that means we get to start going fast and pushing each other to be fierce competitors."

This team mentality is echoed in the men's team as well.  Senior Jacob Goodman has found a level of inspiration in his teammates after several seasons of growth with them.

"My teammates help me be a better person in the pool by always pushing me to work harder, if I ever slack or need help then they are there to push me further," said Goodman.  "As for out of the pool we all care about each other like a family so if you ever need a friend you have around 45 of them to lean on."

As the Lutes prepare to take on Willamette University on Friday and Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, they have specific goals for the team's success.

"When it comes to goals for the season, it is a recurring theme that we want the team to swim fast, have fun, and swim fast some more," said Kearney.

In a similar vein, Goodman said, "one of my goals for the team is to have everyone feel the effects of the training we do because it is a lot but it's all worth it. When you realize that waking up for every morning practice will make you that much better, it gets a little easier to jump into that cold pool."

The Lutes host Willamette University on Friday at 6 p.m., and host Lewis & Clark College on Saturday at 1 p.m.  Both dual meets take place in the PLU pool.