BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University (2-2) women's tennis team steps on the court Saturday to open Southland conference play against New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana. The Cardinals will square off against the Privateers Saturday and return Sunday to take on the Lady Lions. Both matches will begin at noon from the Thompson Family Tennis Center. LU returns to action, winners in two of its last three matches, but is coming off a 4-0 setback at Louisiana Tech.
 
The Privateers have jumped out of the gate quickly this season and enter the weekend with a 4-1 (.800) overall record, but it has been a hit-or-miss season so far for the Privateers. UNO started the year with four consecutive wins, but is coming off a loss at No. 19 LSU. In the Privateers four victories, UNO has not surrendered a point to its opponent, but in the loss to LSU the Privateers were shutout.
 
Southeastern Louisiana is 3-3 (.500) on the season but has lost three of its past four meetings. The Lady Lions are entering the midpoint of a five-match road swing that saw them drop a 7-0 decision at South Alabama a week ago. SLU has been outscored, 12-2, in its last seven matches and will face Sam Houston State Saturday in their Southland Conference opener before making the short drive over to Beaumont.
 
The Cardinals come into Saturday's match looking for a better start to league play than last year. The 2015 version of the Cardinals dropped their first four conference matches before picking up a win. Big Red will be looking to win its conference opener for the first time since the 2014 season.
 
Following the two home matches, the Red and White will hit the road for two before returning to non-conference play. LU will be in Thibodaux, La. Saturday, Mar. 5 to take on Nicholls, and then Lake Charles, La. 24 hours later to square off against rival McNeese State.  
 
Due to the Gusher Marathon held on Saturday, patrons planning to attend the game are advised to travel south on US 69 to the Highland Avenue exit. Take this exit and remain on the service road until the intersection with Rolfe Christopher, drive under the overpass north on Rolfe Christopher. Turn left (west) into the LU Soccer/Softball Complex parking lot. From their fans can make the short walk to the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
-LU CARDINALS-