TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's tennis team launches into its competitive spring season on Saturday, making the short trip across town to face rival University of Puget Sound. 

Head Coach Cheri Campbell is in her second year of coaching for the Lutes (0-1) and is excited to continue working with such committed and positive student-athletes. The team has intensified its focus on fitness and mental toughness, along with new strategies on the court.

"As a coach, I want to see PLU players increase their abilities to compete on the court, their belief in their athleticism, and their resilience," Campbell said. "I'm fortunate to have a positive, hard-working team and I look forward to seeing their success in match play."

With many returning players, UPS will put up a fight against the Lutes for every point. PLU head coach Cheri Campbell wants the players to use this non-conference match as an opportunity to practice and experiment with recent changes made to their game and strategy.

The Lutes have two new first-years on the squad, and Campbell can't wait to see them reach their potential on the court. As the squad resumes the competitive season, Campbell expects the players to, "battle for every point and support each other throughout the match."

Pacific Lutheran had an abbreviated fall season, falling 9-0 to UPS in a dual match before competing at the ITA Northwest Regional in Walla Walla, Washington. Kylie Rademach and Lauren Kearney found success in doubles play, winning their opener 8-3 while Alina Nussbaum, Taylor Stokes, and Sydney Cameron all picked up wins in the qualifying or main draw rounds in singles play.

The Lutes' first match of the spring season is on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the University of Puget Sound.