TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team (4-9, 1-4 NWC) heads to eastern Washington to take on the Blues from Whitman College and Pirates of Whitworth University this weekend as the season is nearing completion.

As they plan to set out on the road, the Lutes are preparing to maintain their resolve in this weekend's competition.  
 
Sophomore Branson Near is focusing specifically on preparing himself mentally for this weekend.
 
"As a team, we've been focusing a lot on mental toughness. So our goal for this weekend is to stay mentally tough despite who our opponent is."
 
Boasting 3 singles wins in his second season, Near has had the chance to look back at what it was like to play so far as a Lute and reflect on his time.
 
"Some wisdom that I would want my fellow Lutes to know is that no matter what happens, whether you win or lose, you still have your team and at the end of the day all that matters is if you are having fun," said Near. "The people on your team will become your lifelong friends. Keeping this in mind, always respect them, and if you're there for them, they'll be there for you."
 
With just three matches left in conference schedule, the Lutes are nearing the end of their regular season, and are hoping to end the season strongly, working their hardest to achieve the best results they can.
 
"I've had to manage my time by structuring my classes and homework around practice and making sure that I can complete my tasks. I've reinforced my knowledge of effort and have been shown that the amount of effort you put into something, the better the outcome."
 
The Lutes take to the court on April 13 at 10 a.m. in Walla Walla, Washington.