TACOMA, Wash. — There's a new look to the Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's tennis programs as the Lutes gear up for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Northwest Regionals over the next two weekends. 
 
The biggest offseason change for the Lutes is the hiring of Michael Harmon who will coach both the men and women during the 2022-2023 academic year.
 
Since walking on campus on September 1, Harmon and the Lutes have hit the ground running with the women participating in the ITA Regional this weekend in Walla Walla, Washington while the men compete next weekend in Portland. 
 
"We've used the last three weeks to really get our doubles pairings and get match play ready. The first week was just getting out and shaking off the rust, trying to hit a lot of balls. Then we started to get into match play the last two weeks to work out our pairings," said Harmon.
 
"As brief as the season has been so far, I feel like we've really gotten the most out of our practice times. There's a really good high energy that we have at practice as far as that mix of focus and having a lot of fun."
 
Headlining the group of returners for the Lute women is captains Lilian Nguyen and Ella Burriss. Nguyen played in 16 dual matches last year, ranging from the No. 2 spot to the No. 5 spot in singles action. Similar to Nguyen, Burriss jumped from No. 2 through No. 6 last spring.
 
Also back is Meggie Burnett who led the team in singles wins, collecting six last spring with a majority coming at the No. 4 position. Burnett experienced similar success in doubles, notching six wins on the year.
 
Also returning from last year are Jillian Chong, Libertad Sarmiento, and Katelyn Gonzalez. All three saw action last spring in the Lute lineup with Chong playing a majority of the year at No. 3 singles.
 
In addition to the returning Lutes, Harmon has high hopes for a few newcomers.
 
"We have a new first year in Chloe Andrewjeski that has a high UTR ranking. She's been doing really well with our challenge matches at practice. Excited to see her results in singles and she will be pairing up with Nguyen in doubles."
 
With a small squad, Harmon has appreciated the leadership and hard work shown by some of the veteran players. 
 
"Lilian is a really hard worker. always asking on ways to get better and improve. She's done a great job taking Chloe under her wing as a doubles partner."
 
For the men, it will be a young group with three sophomores leading the way. Caleb Grass is the projected No. 1 singles player on the inexperienced squad. Last year, Grass was the Lutes' No. 4 player, collecting seven wins across singles and doubles play in the spring.
 
Joining Grass will be Drew Kraft and Evan Kaku. Kraft saw action last year largely in doubles play at the No. 3 spot. 
 
In addition to the returners, Harmon has liked what he's seen from the first-years, specifically Dillon Wells. 
 
"Dillon has been coming along real well. He is a hard worker and has a great attitude. Really, really good athlete. He just started tennis his sophomore year of high school so he is really green and he really just wants to learn and improve. He comes early and stays late at practice."
 
While young, Harmon has been impressed with the work ethic and maturity of the newcomers.
 
"I've been super impressed with the leadership of our freshman. Their attitudes and excitement to be here has been amazing."
 
With Harmon coaching both programs this year, he's found fun and exciting ways to integrate the two teams together. 
 
"We've been doing some mixed doubles and I think everybody has really enjoyed it. It's added a nice variety. We usually end practice with a fun game for about 15 minutes with everyone on one court. And I think that's a good way to build the team chemistry and get everyone playing together. It's given me a look at some different partner pairings as well. And seeing who may mesh well together."
 
Heading into the week, the Lutes look to gain valuable match play experience 
 
"My whole expectation for this tournament is to get our players some more match play experience. This is a good opportunity for them to get a view of the conference and give us an idea of how we can improve and what we need to work towards."
 
The Lute women start the ITA Regional on Saturday at 8 a.m.