The Niagara men’s and women’s tennis programs will begin their spring schedule this weekend hosting Colgate on Friday and Mercyhurst on Saturday. All matches will be played at SportsPlex in North Tonawanda, N.Y.

The men’s team looks to build on its strong start from the fall season. Freshman David Raymond (6-2) and team captain Brandon Gallegos each were selected to represent the men’s team at the ITA Northeast Regionals in October. The pair was also NU’s best doubles team and claimed the Flight A championship at the Niagara Invitational.

The women’s squad earned significant experience in the fall season. Junior Hilary Hansen is the lone upperclassman on a roster with seven freshmen. Hansen went 5-2 during the fall season in singles play while claiming the Fight A title at the Niagara Invitational and was the runner-up at the Bison Quad. Hansen fell in the first round of the ITA Northeast Regionals in October. Two freshmen, Maria Ortiz and Ashley Ta, were also selected to participate in the ITA Regional, falling in the main doubles draw, while Ortiz fell in the singles qualifying draw.