For some, the spring welcomes colorful flowers and a lively green tint to the outdoors. But for the Arizona men’s tennis team, the only green in sight consists of rubber and fuzz.

With seven of the 10 key players returning and a promising freshman class, the team will kick off its spring season today at 1 p.m. when it matches up against Gonzaga. In store for tomorrow are matches against NAU at 10 a.m. and Scottsdale Community College at 2 p.m., both of which will be held at Robson Tennis Center.

Having gone through a difficult season last year, the Wildcats are back and ready to build on last year’s experiences. Head coach Tad Berkowitz has high expectations and said their main goal for the season is to “”make a run in the (Pacific 10 Conference)”” by getting to the national tournament.

For freshman Andres Carrasco, his road is just beginning at the UA. As for the seniors, the end of the road is quickly approaching.

Seniors Bruno Alcala and Claudio Christen are considered role models for the younger players. The team respects the two because of their senior leadership on and off the court.

“”This is their last year and hopefully we can do well for them,”” Carrasco said.

Alcala pointed out that as a senior, “”you try to set the example for the underclassmen.”” But the key to success as a team has no age limit. In order to thrive this season, they will have to put “”a lot of focus and trust in each other and believe (they) can beat anybody on any given day,”” Alcala said.

The wait is finally over for freshman Jay Goldman, who expressed his eagerness to compete in his first spring season at the UA. The greatest obstacle, he said, would be that this is his first season of having a sense of team camaraderie. Goldman has never been held accountable tennis-wise by anybody but himself.

“”It’s going to be a little bit different feeling, but I’m looking forward to it,”” Goldman said.

Although experience is respected on the team, their sense of unity and cohesiveness has stuck.

“”(They) support each other on and off the court,”” Berkowitz said. He also noted that with the natural combination of upperclassmen and talented young freshmen, they have a nice advantage.

The squad was in a rebuilding stage last year. The newly polished work of art will be on display today and tomorrow. The team feels it has the potential to be unstoppable this season.

“”The biggest obstacle we have is ourselves,”” Alcala said.