SPOKANE, Wash. - Youth will be served for the 2006 men's tennis team, and hopes are high that this young team will continue the improvement the program has established through 2005.

Coming off of a season in which the team surprised many by finishing fourth at the Northwest Conference Championships, the Pirates hope to continue the upward trend behind 2005 NWC Coach of the Year Mike Shanks and four returning singles starters. If the Bucs can do so, the future will be very bright for a team whose roster includes only three upper classmen on an 11-man roster.

"Since we are so young, we hope to gain valuable experience and improve throughout the season," said Shanks.

A pair of sophomores appear to be ready to take over leadership at the top of the ladder for the Bucs. Ed Anegon (So., Lewiston, Idaho) played third singles last season, while Ben Works (So., Medford, Ore.) spent most of the year playing fourth singles. Michael Carlson (Jr., Stanwood, Wash.) was the #5 singles player in 2005, and Scott Donnell (So., Oak Harbor, Wash.) played at #6 on the ladder. Carlson and Donnell also combined for a 7-5 record as doubles partners.

Whitworth also welcomes the return of Isaac Lanctot, who played #5 singles for the Bucs in 2004 before spending all of 2005 injured.

Jeremiah Collins (Jr., Sequim, Wash.) was Whitworth's top reserve last season and could see regular playing time this year. Scott Bourne (Fr., Shoreline, Wash.) had an outstanding career at Shorewood High School and could have an immediate impact.

Jacob Milliken (Fr., Spokane, Wash.), Colin Storm (So., Spokane, Wash.), Trevor Strang (So., Portland, Ore.) and Jeff Trousdale (Fr., Hillsboro, Ore.) give the Pirates solid depth this year.

"Despite losing two starters from last year, I expect we may be just as good this year," said Shanks. "Our ground strokes are more consistent and we are learning how to construct points better."

Whitworth will open the season on February 10th with a match against Montana State-Billings at Lewiston, Idaho. Northwest Conference play begins the following week with matches at George Fox and Lewis & Clark. The Northwest Conference tournament will be April 21-22 in Yakima, Washington.