Men's Tennis | 01.06.2020

LEWISTON, Idaho – Head coach Kai Fong announced the 2020 schedules for Lewis-Clark State Men's and Women's Tennis on Monday. The season opens on Jan. 31 in Pocatello, Idaho when the women face NCAA DI Idaho State. The Warriors will face multiple NCAA DI programs throughout the season, as well as many others from different divisions.
 
LC State will hit the road on cross-country trips to big cities to take on highly-ranked NAIA opponents.
 
"We have a well-rounded schedule which includes teams from NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA and NJCAA," Fong explained. "The independent scheduling has enabled us to engage in more travel across the U.S. to play ranked NAIA team. There are flying trips to Indianapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans and a road trip to Pocatello."
 
The trips will feature top NAIA competition, including the defending national champion in both men's and women's tennis in Georgia Gwinnett.
 
"Every match is an opportunity for the players to grow and experience 'life on the road," Fong said. "Every match we play is significant as it will build upon the next one. We are excited to play NAIA teams from six conferences. Road wins will make the victories a little sweeter."
 
Though the schedule is filled with NCAA opponents such as the University of Idaho, Idaho State, University of Montana, Portland State, Colorado Mesa, Whitworth, Whitman and George Fox, Fong says the key to the teams' success comes from the NAIA matches.
 
The only home NAIA match will take place on Feb. 9 when the women host the College of Idaho.
 
"Our pathway to Nationals is to win as many NAIA matches as we can on the road. The players are ready for the challenge ahead of them," Fong said.
 
The Warriors women open their season on Jan. 31 in Pocatello, and the men on Feb. 1 at Idaho State. The Warrior men open the season at the Tennis Center on Feb.7 when they host Idaho at 3 p.m. The women's home opener is scheduled for Feb. 8 against Whitworth at noon.