(SAN DIEGO) For the first time ever, PLNU Men's Tennis will host an NCAA West Regional match.
 
Point Loma was announced on Monday night as the second seed in the West region, earning the Sea Lions the right to host a regional match against third-seeded Hawaii Pacific on Friday at 9 a.m.

PLNU is making its second-ever appearance in the NCAA West Regional and first since 2018, when Point Loma lost to Hawaii Hilo.
 
"We're all very excited for the opportunity to be in the regional but also to host," Head Coach Curt Wheeler said. "It's just a testament to how strong of the year the guys have had. We're continuing with the mindset that we feel like we're the best team in the region. Obviously, you can feel that way, but you still have to go out and prove it.
 
"What we've shown this year is that we have proven it, but we have to continue doing that and Friday is going to be the next challenge, the next test. But the guys have responded well this year to every challenge in front of them and I know they'll be ready to go."
 

PLNU Men's 🎾 will host an NCAA West Regional match for the first time, earning the #2 seed in the region.

Friday, April 28 - 9:00 a.m.
#2 Point Loma vs. #3 Hawaii Pacific pic.twitter.com/ER8KbCIHpY

— PLNU Sea Lions (@PLNUSeaLions) April 25, 2023

 
This season, Point Loma has set modern-era program records for wins (18) and longest winning streak (12 matches), while posting its best-ever finish at the PacWest Championships (third place).

Friday's regional matchup will be the second between the two teams this year, with Point Loma claiming a narrow 4-3 win over HPU at a neutral site in La Mirada on March 7.
 
"That was a big win for us during the season that really got us going on that winning streak," Wheeler said. "We knew we were a good team but you have to beat the good teams to really reinforce that. I know the guys will carry confidence from the last time we played them while also understanding the respect we have for them."
 
But Wheeler understands the challenge Point Loma (18-3 overall) will face against Hawaii Pacific (12-6 overall), with HPU leading the all-time series between the two teams, 8-2.
 
"They're a very strong team," Wheeler said. "They're a strong team every year."
 
The winner of Friday's matchup will advance to the NCAA Championships in Orlando, Florida May 11-16.