PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State women's tennis team opens up its 2012 dual season with three duals in three days in Pullman, Wash. The Vikings will face off with Washington State of the Paficic-12 Conference on Friday with a 2 p.m. PT start.
 
The Vikings will then square off with Lewis & Clark State College on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. and Idaho on Sunday at 1 p.m. in two neutral site duals in Pullman.
 
“This is a great way to start our season,” head coach Jay Sterling said. “We get to play some really great competition. That's why we set it up this way, so we can go play a very deep and talented Washington State team. It's an opportunity for us to see talented competition early on which will prepare us for our conference season.”
 
Portland State returns four players from a year ago with senior and team captain Marti Pellicano leading the way. Joining Pellicano is fellow senior Emily McClaran as well as junior Nayanatara Vadali and sophomore Marina Todd.
 
Joining the Vikings this season are four very talented freshmen who look to make an immediate impact. Looking to jump right into the lineup this season are Audrey Farr, Megan Govi, Alexa McDonald and Ashley Spencer.
 
“It's going to be a challenging opening weekend for us,” Sterling said. “Not only with the three duals in three days but because we are a little short depth wise to start the season because of some injuries. It's going to be a challenge but it's not one that they cannot overcome. I have a lot of faith in this young team. They're going to do a great job.”
 
Following this weekend in Pullman, the Vikings will again be on the road for a Feb. 5 matchup with another Pac-12 school in the University of Oregon. The Vikings will make their 2012 home debut at Club Green Meadows on Feb. 10 against Seattle University with the dual slated to start at 4 p.m.