TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis team opens its spring season this weekend in Oregon, facing Linfield College and Willamette University.

Head Coach John Campbell is excited to see the young team of Lutes continue to improve their play as they go head to head against tough squads.

In the past, Linfield has performed in the top half of the Northwest Conference, so the Lutes will have to fight hard to come out with a win. The same applies to Willamette; the Lutes beat the Bearcats last season, but in extremely close matches, prevailing 5-4 and 6-3.

Campbell said the Lutes have been, "practicing hard, working on stroke production, conditioning, and point play." The squad practices at the Sprinker Rec Center where Campbell runs the team through drills to, "get into the match play mindset."

Throughout the season, the Lutes aim to improve everyday, whether it be at a practice or a match, by keeping a positive mindset and competing point by point. 

"If we are playing with focus and effort, the results will be positive," Campbell said. "As a team, we want to continue to grow as teammates and be supportive of each other at all times." 

Last fall, the Lutes competed at the ITA Northwest Regional in Newberg, Oregon. Hampus Pers Eliasson and Marcus Lee both picked up wins in the consolation draw while in doubles Michael Larson and Lars Wangen picked up a win in the qualifying round.

Campbell believes each player will have some competitive matches this weekend, so this focused mindset is important to remember as the Lutes prepare to head down to Oregon.

The Lutes will be playing against Linfield College on Saturday at 2 p.m., and Willamette University on Sunday at 10 a.m.