The Bruins are looking to overcome early-season nerves and deliver a more composed performance in their second match of the year.

No. 20 UCLA men’s tennis will face No. 16 San Diego at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on Monday.

The squad is coming off a shaky performance at its opening affair. Coach Billy Martin said the combination of unexpected logistical changes and first-game jitters played a role in the Bruins’ slow start in their season opener.

“Honestly, I don’t think any (changes are needed),” Martin said. “Just relaxing, calming down. … Anytime we have the first match of the year, there’s a little anxiety.”

Junior Aadarsh Tripathi and senior Alexander Hoogmartens, who made the NCAA doubles championship quarterfinals in November and are currently ranked the No. 10 tandem in the nation, bring upperclassmen experience to the team. That wisdom, however, doesn’t always shield them from the pressures of competition.

“We lost the doubles point here partially, probably due to a little bit of nerves,” Tripathi said after Friday’s match against UC Irvine.

UCLA’s first match of the year was relocated from Westwood to Irvine because of the Los Angeles County wildfires, which added some anxiety, Martin said.

As a senior with postseason experience, Hoogmartens has taken on a mentor role, offering support to freshmen and underclassmen as they adapt to the collegiate level.

“I try to guide them a little bit and tell them how it feels playing your first college match,” Hoogmartens said.

While the opening match exposed the Bruins’ nerves, it also provided lessons that could pay dividends moving forward. Hoogmartens said he was optimistic about the team’s ability to rebound.

“We have experience now. We will definitely play better. On Monday, we’ll play a better opponent too,” he said. “The first match is always a little rusty, and then they get rid of all the stress and then comfortability.”

With veterans like Tripathi and Hoogmartens able to lead the team, Martin said he’s looking for his squad to find rhythm and confidence against a formidable San Diego team.

San Diego’s strength lies in its depth and talent. In Oliver Tarvet and Stian Klaassen, the Toreros boast the No. 1-ranked doubles tandem in the country – plus the No. 39, No. 72 and No. 88 pairings – and feature three singles players – Tarvet, Savriyan Danilov and Klaassen – ranked in the nation’s top 100.

Monday provides an opportunity to improve and showcase the team’s potential. If their nerves temper and their leaders set the tone, the Bruins could make a stronger impression in their second outing.

“My goal is to win,” Hoogmartens said.