TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's tennis team gears up for its first homestand of the season on Saturday, welcoming in-state rival Highline Community College to the Sprinker Rec Center in the first of six consecutive home matches.

The Lutes (0-2) are coming off a tough 6-3 setback to the University of Puget Sound last weekend. The Lutes had multiple matches that were very close to going the other way. Highlighting last weekend was play from Junior Taylor Stokes. Stokes racked up wins in both doubles and singles play and earned NWC Player of the Week. 

Reflecting on her play last week Stokes said, "I think what ultimately allowed me to have a successful weekend was staying consistent and being confident in all the shots I hit."

The Auburn, Washington native is competing in her third season for the Lutes. 

"I see my role on the team as being a person that is readily able to play any position needed for the team. If I am needed to play number 5, I play number 5. If I'm needed to play number 3, I'm there to play number 3."

As the team moves forward to this weekend Taylor talked about both the team and her individual goals for the weekend.

"Our team goal for this weekend is to play to the best of our ability and improve from last weeks match by making less errors in our shots and being more confident. We also want to encourage and be supportive of one another while on or off the court. And of course, we want to get the W."

"My individual goal for this weekend is to assess the person I'm playing and target their weaker shots and stay confident in my ability to play tennis."

The Lutes will begin play on Saturday at 1 p.m.