The Big West tennis season is now in full swing as every conference school will have played at least one match following this weekend.  Weather permitting, of course.  The schedule is highlighted by Long Beach State's trip to Northern California to participate in the ITA Kick-Off Weekend, and the first women's league match as Cal State Northridge travels to Cal Poly.
   
Long Beach State faces a doozy of an opponent in the opening match of the tournament in host and No. 2-ranked California.  The Golden Bears are the second straight ranked opponent for LBSU, which opened up against No. 10 USC earlier this week.  The 49ers, which are ranked No. 48 in the ITA rankings, meet either No. 37 Washington or No. 49 North Carolina State in the consolation or championship match.
   
The Mustangs and Matadors convene on Saturday in San Luis Obispo for the season's Big West opener.  Cal Poly is looking to avenge a 4-3 loss to the Matadors last season, one of only three losses in conference play for the Mustangs.  CSUN finished 6-2 in Big West play in 2008 for third place.
   
Other women's matches include a trip to the islands for UC Irvine.  The Anteaters battle host Hawai'i and San Diego State over the weekend.  UC Davis hosts a pair of foes in Santa Clara and UC Santa Cruz, while Pacific entertains Nevada.
   
On the men's side, a light schedule greets Big West teams this weekend.  Pacific plays its home opener against Fresno Pacific in the first match for head coach Matt Lucas.  UC Riverside hosts Vanguard and Riverside CC in hopes of remaining undefeated after a 1-0 start.  UC Davis travels to the Northwest to square off with Portland, Portland State and Idaho in its first action of the season.  Cal Poly, UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara remain idle until next week.