The Linfield University men's tennis team goes into the 2021 season with many new faces and as well as veterans who have jumpstarted the movement of creating a new team identity.
 
The Wildcats played just four regular-season matches in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic cancelled the season. Despite limited action, sixth-year coach Ben Belletto calls that squad one of his best teams during his 18 years of coaching tennis.
 
"Last season was an incredible season," said Belletto. "It's too bad it was interrupted. We had amazing chemistry. I have never seen a such rapid change in execution. It was an amazing year."
 
LONG LAYOFF
The Wildcats fell 8-1 in their last match of the 2020 season against Pacific on March 8. After nearly 50 weeks without facing a live opponent, Linfield returns to the court this weekend at Portland State.
 
"We always preach to the players to take advantage of today, because you don't know what tomorrow is going to be. It is really not possible to get too amped up right now, since the season could be shut down at any point," said Belletto on the team's excitement to start the season.
 
"You definitely miss the adrenaline from the opportunity to compete and being out there."
 
The Wildcats practiced throughout the fall and were able to get in quite a few practices during January as well. Belletto is excited to finally face a real opponent.
 
"I want us to be ready to play emotionally and mentally. We are physically ready and doing a lot of the right things. We need to prepare ourselves for competition, for what it's going to feel like, the adrenaline, the nerves and the environments," he said.
 
RETURNERS
Linfield brings back five players who appeared in matches last season: Michael Manion, Ethan Myers, Josef Shum, Cameron Ventura and Will Worth. Ventura, a senior, was named Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week on March 2.
 
"They compete really hard and love doing it with each other. This is a really incredible group of returners. They connected last year and have raised the bar themselves," said Belletto on the returners.
 
Blake Fuentes-Gilbert did not get a chance to compete last spring, but Belletto says he's seen a positive change in Fuentes-Gilbert and expects him to make an impact in 2021.
 
"From last January until now, the heart inside Blake has come out. He is working hard, putting in time in the gym, running on the track by himself. His grades have gone with that and he's now one of our academic leaders," said Belletto.
 
NEWCOMERS
With 15 players on the roster, the Wildcats have a large roster that includes nine newcomers. Among the new faces are freshmen Nick Gabelman, Ruben Martens, Isaac Millner and Abraham Solomon.
 
"Nick and Ruben took their winter break very seriously impressed me a ton. They also trained together during the break. Abraham and Isaac are special as well. They work really hard," said the coach.
 
Brady Anderson and Seamus Miller also join the team. Both are dual-sport student-athletes who also participate in soccer.
 
On top of the six freshmen, the 'Cats have three upperclassmen joining the squad this year: Mark Lehmann, Jake Marnon and Ben O'Loughlin.
 
O'Loughlin was a member of the team during his freshmen season and has made strides of improvement according to Belletto.
 
"Ben is a great guy, who has gotten a lot better since the fall. Having an upperclassman join us is great," said Belletto.
 
MANAGING A BIG ROSTER
In any given dual match, only 6-8 players are able to play. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the number of non-conference matches and size of the travel roster have been lowered, which makes balancing a big roster an even greater challenge for Belletto.
 
"We are up front with everyone about where they stand and some of the challenges we will face. Making sure each team member feels like they have a role and bring value is a big part of it," said Belletto.
 
Smaller practices pods and spending more time outdoors are two ways in which Belletto has managed to get some court time for everyone on the roster.
 
"For me, it's making sure I am spending time with each one and making a connection. It's always tough when we go indoors, you don't always get extra matches. We practice in smaller pods so that everyone gets court time," said Belletto.
 
Despite the big roster, Belletto believes the 2021 team has forged a true identity. The 'Cats hope to win a lot of match-swinging points in doubles.
 
"Doubles is a major strength. We spend a lot of time working on it, breaking down film and improving," said Belletto. "Until we go up against other people, you don't really know how you stack up. It's been a year since we have done that."
 
CONSTANTLY CHANGING SCHEDULE
Travel is limited due to the protocols this season. Linfield has just one true non-conference match against Portland State. To increase the opportunities for competition, the Wildcats have added matches against fellow NWC opponents that won't count towards the conference standings.
 
Protocols and restrictions are constantly adapted to reflect the pandemic. Belletto has told the team to enjoy the present and not worry about the future.
 
"Staying flexible, that is always something you want to do in tennis. I have always preached that and always thought of myself as leading by example," said Belletto.
 
"We can focus on the negatives that have happened, but there are positives as well. One of them is to just focus on what's in front of you and if anything changes, just go with it."
 
The 2021 season kicks off on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Portland State. The teams will play using Division I scoring rules.