BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University men's tennis team will open Southland Conference play Friday in the one venue that seems the most foreign to them this season – the Thompson Family Tennis Center. The Cardinals (10-6) returned to Beaumont from a three-match West Coast road swing that was part of six consecutive matches away from home. The Cardinals have played 11 of the past 13 matches away from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
The travels haven't hurt Big Red as they return home already with 10 wins on the season – the second highest win total of all Southland schools. LU steps on the court as the final SLC squad to open league play, with New Orleans jumping out to a 2-0 Southland record during the early part of the season.
 
The Cardinals – winners in four of their last five – open the conference slate against the league's other Cardinals – Incarnate Word. San Antonio's version of the Cardinals enter the week with a 5-12 (.294) overall record and an 0-1 conference mark.
 
UIW has dropped six of its last seven matches and is coming off a 4-0 loss to Marquette a week ago. The lone win during that stretch was a three-point victory over Navy at home. Big Red will be looking for the same magic as it found last season when it posted a 6-1 decision in San Antonio. Friday's match will begin at 3 p.m. from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
The Cardinals will have very little time to get ready for their next tilt as they will be back on the court in less than 24 hours to host former Southland Conference foe UTSA. The Roadrunners have won two of their last three contests and similar to UIW, the 'Runners are also coming off a loss to Marquette.
 
The Cardinals hosted UTSA last season in Beaumont. LU won all eight matches last season. UTSA had a one-game lead at No. 1 doubles before the match was halted due to the fact the Cards picked up wins on the other two courts.
 
Saturday's match will begin at 10 a.m. from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
-LU CARDINALS-