TACOMA, Wash. - After several weeks of intense practice, the Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team is returning to the court for the start of the 2018 season.  

Armed with a new coach and a strong team that includes a new crop of first-years, the Lutes are preparing for the regular season by competing against some of their Northwest Conference competitors down in Portland, Oregon. The Lutes are taking on Lewis & Clark College and Linfield College, two teams who represent major opposition for the Lutes during the year.

As the Lutes prepare for this weekend of competition, new Head Coach John Campbell has expressed his vision to the team.  

"I expect that we will go through some growing pains, but look forward to the opportunity to help these young student-athletes to become the best Lutes that they can be," said Campbell. " Our goal this weekend is to get some match toughness and to start figure out our line up and doubles partners."

After an up-and-down season in 2017-2018, the Lutes are looking to create success on their own terms during this athletic year.  

"It will be good to see how they respond to the pressure of the competition," said Campbell.  "We have a very young team with only one senior, two sophomores and the rest freshman."

The Lutes are using this weekend's competition to prepare for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Northwest Regional competition, which will take place September 21-24 to close out the fall portion of their schedule.