PLNU MEN'S TENNIS AIMING FOR MORE HISTORY IN 2024

(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Men’s Tennis made history in 2023, hosting the NCAA West Regional for the first time and recording its best-ever finish at the PacWest Championships.

The Sea Lions are hoping to make more history this season.

“I’m excited for this year,” Head Coach Curt Wheeler said. “We return a lot of players and I’m really excited about the group that we have. I think we have a lot of guys who are ready to step up.”

Eight of the nine players on this year’s roster were on last season’s team, meaning there is a lot of continuity heading into the new campaign.

“A lot of these guys have experience playing with a couple different partners on the team,” Wheeler said. “I think that can be a big advantage for us because doubles, a little more than singles, involves teamwork and getting experience playing together.

“I still look at them as somewhat young but I know they’re experienced. They’re young in the way that they’re just excited that even though we were right there last year, they know that there’s more to do.”

With so many players returning from a season ago, the team has plenty of experiences to draw from as it looks to make more history in 2024.

“It was huge,” Wheeler said of the experience the team gained a season ago. “Last year we never really lost a match that we were completely healthy in. Every sports team can talk about that but I know that was one for our team, that when we’re healthy and at full strength, there’s nobody that we can’t beat. They showed that in some of the wins against DI teams and in exhibition matches as well.

“Obviously, health is a big part of it but I’m very confident that that gave the returning guys confidence that we’ve been here and now know what to expect. I know they’re looking forward to taking it another step forward this year and hopefully hosting the regional again, winning that match and moving onto nationals.”

ROSTER

Point Loma returns reigning PacWest Player of the Year Alexander Leischner, who enters his junior season.

“The PacWest is one of the deepest and most difficult conferences in Division II, so for him to have that great of a year just shows that he’s one of the best players in the country,” Wheeler said. “I know he’s motivated to make this year even better than last year was and it’s a great start to the lineup when you have that strength at the top.”

Leischner finished as runner-up in singles at the ITA West Regional Championships in September, while also placing second in doubles with partner Nabeel Khan, before competing at the ITA Cup.

“Nabeel and Alex together in doubles had a great run and showcased just how strong our doubles was this past year,” Wheeler said. “I know they’re excited to show that regardless of whom they play with or what spot they play at. They’re going to be big team leaders in doubles but also in singles.

“It was great experience and the second year that Alex was there in both singles and doubles. That shows not only his level but also his consistency. The best ones show consistency. That was a big attribute of our team last year, our consistency and showing up every match.”

In addition to Leischner and Khan, the two other regular singles starters coming back for the Sea Lions are Andrew Suver and David Strassburger, who both won double-digit matches a season ago.

“Andrew played mostly four singles last year and had a solid year for someone that was new on the scene and jumping into it. He is ready to improve on what last year was.

“David is now in his fifth year and has a ton of experience playing in a lot of big, important matches. I’ve just been impressed by how much these guys want to continue getting better and David is one who has gotten better every year. He’s going to play a big part in the team success this year.”

The four other returners (Elias Weeks, Matt Melosch, Lukas Schuster, Leo Bormann) and the lone freshman on the team (Finn Kirschner) are all expected to compete for playing time.

“They’re all right there,” Wheeler said. “That’s been the great part of the first few weeks of practice is seeing how competitive it is for those spots. We’re going to continue to figure that out.

“Elias last year was in the doubles lineup for most of the year, especially the second half. He really stepped up in a big way in doubles.

“Matt played in some singles matches as well and was successful when asked to play singles. Lukas is in his senior year and he’s played a lot of singles and doubles for us over the years. He’s been playing great tennis as well.

“Leo coming back from last year going into his second year. Finn has been a new addition this spring. All of those guys are excited and ready.”

SCHEDULE

Point Loma opens its season at home on Saturday against Azusa Pacific before hitting the road for four-straight matches, including at San Diego State on Feb. 21.

“This year we definitely have more away matches early in the year,” Wheeler said. “In tennis, playing away is incredibly difficult because you have to adjust to the tennis court surface, which has a huge impact in how you move on the court but also how the ball reacts on the court.

“It’s a very difficult thing to go and beat good teams on the road. We’re going to be tested very quickly in that. I’m excited to see how the guys respond.”

The Sea Lions will then conclude their regular season on April 13 at home versus Westmont before the PacWest Championships are scheduled for April 17-20 in Surprise, Arizona at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Club.

Point Loma finished third at last year’s conference championships, its best-ever finish in program history, before making a second-ever regional appearance.

The NCAA West Regional is scheduled for May 13 or 14, with the NCAA Championships in Altamonte Springs, Florida set for May 20-25.

For the Sea Lions' full schedule, click HERE.