By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's tennis team is ready to start the 2020-21 season with two matches at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, this weekend. On Saturday, March 6, the team will compete in Northwest Conference action at 1 p.m. (PST). The Bearcats and the Blues will meet again on Sunday, March 7 starting at 9 a.m. (PST). Spectators will not be allowed to attend either match.

Willamette's roster features two seniors in Gene Perle-Jones (Sr., Eugene, OR/North Eugene HS) and Luke Hiserman (Sr., Monterey, CA/Pacific Grove HS).

According to Willamette Director of Tennis/Head Coach Rick Wood, he's happy that the seniors will be able to complete their eligibility with the Bearcats after missing so much of last spring due to COVID-19. All of the returning players are excited to get back on the court.

"I think I speak for all coaches and athletes that we all are just wanting an opportunity to compete this spring," Wood noted.

The Bearcats are scheduled to play all eight of the other NWC men's tennis teams in at least one match. The Bearcats will take on several teams twice, with the first match against each opponent counting in the NWC standings.

"Being part of this team is very important to each player," Wood added. "It was amazing how we came together last fall despite having the season canceled, shutting down three weeks due to the fires and cleaning of tennis courts. It was amazing to see all the players step up and keep both teams motivated through the fall."