BEAUMONT, Texas – Winners of three consecutive, the Lamar University women's tennis team returns home to open Southland Conference play against Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State. The Cardinals enter the week looking to protect a 4-2 (.667) overall record.
 
The Cardinals will step on the court Saturday for the Southland opener against Stephen F. Austin. The Ladyjacks are 4-4 (.500) on the season, but have dropped two of their past three matches. SFA is coming off a one-point decision over New Mexico State nearly two weeks ago. Prior to their recent struggles, the Ladyjacks opened the season winning three of their first four matches. SFA will take on Sam Houston State in Huntsville Thursday before traveling to Beaumont.
 
The Cardinals lead the all-time series over SFA, 15-8, but the Ladyjacks have had some success recently. SFA has won the previous two matches by a combined score of 10-4, including a 5-2 decision in Nacogdoches last season. Saturday's match is slated to begin at 1 p.m. from the Thompson Family Tennis Center in Beaumont, Texas.
 
The Red and White will be back in action less than 24 hours later when it steps on the court to face Northwestern State. The Demons enter the week as one of the Southland's hottest teams boasting a 7-3 (.700) overall record and riding a seven match win streak. The Demons' past two victories have been by a combined 13-0 score. Northwestern State will face Sam Houston State Friday before traveling to the Golden Triangle.
 
The Cardinals are looking to inch their way back to .500 in the series. Currently Northwestern State leads the all-time series with an 11-13 (.458) record, which includes a one-point decision in Natchitoches, La. last season.


Sunday's contest is scheduled to begin at noon from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action for their conference road opener less than a week after the match with Northwestern State. Big Red will travel to Abilene Christian to take on the ACU Wildcats Saturday, Mar. 11.
 
-LU CARDINALS-