TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team begins their spring season this Weekend, facing crosstown rival University of Puget Sound in a non-conference dual match. 
 
Senior Justin deMattos has confidence in the program and the progress the team has made, and is excited to get the season started again.
 
"I'm looking forward to the competition to see how well we play this year. Every guy in our lineup is competitive and wants it just as much as any other guy. We are ready to take that into the season," deMattos said. "Our team is solid this year. Up and down the lineup, this is probably the most solid team we have had since I have been here as we have a lot of depth. Practices have been getting us prepared for the season."
 
For the men's tennis team, the players strive to exemplify something assistant coach, Craig Hamilton "Hams" says, "If you can win a point, string a few together and you can win a game, and if you can win a game, string a few together and you got sets, and if you can win sets, you can win a match."
 
The focus for deMattos and the tennis team is to focus on their games, to enjoy the moment, and play their own game. 
 
"The first few non-conference matches we have will be a good test to prepare us for our season. We have shown in practice and in the fall that we can play really well."
 
The goal for the team is to focus on those words. To focus on the next play and the next point. Bringing that attitude to every game and every set. deMattos added, "We want to take this and high energy into our matches this season."
 
deMattos has always set his goals high. Outside of a passion for tennis, he has always had a passion for astronomy. You can find deMattos enjoying crime and action TV shows and movies such as Blue Bloods and Star Trek. Or when he is not in a Lute jersey you may find him sporting his favorite baseball team: the Seattle Mariners.
 
As a senior, deMattos has his sights on graduate school. 
 
"I have completed a lot of applications to graduate school for Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD programs. I have also applied to a lot of jobs related to engineering and software engineering." Said deMattos. "My dream would certainly be to work for NASA or at any company in the Space Industry as an engineer or astrophysicist."

While excited for the possibilities in the near future, deMattos is excited to focus on what is in front of him, starting spring season this weekend with his teammates. Tennis has contributed to a large part of deMattos life and it is something he is extremely grateful for.
 
"Friends, connections, family, knowledge of the game, skills to improve my game, and in general more passion for the game. It is certainly something that I want to continue doing post-graduation and throughout my life."
 
The Lutes make the short trip across town on Saturday, facing Puget Sound at 1 p.m.