BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University men's tennis will close out its three-match homestand with dates against UT Rio Grande Valley (Friday) and Southern Mississippi (Sunday). The Cardinals will be looking to close out the homestand on a victorious note before hitting the road for the next eight dates which will carry the Cardinals to the middle of next month.
 
The Cardinals (1-5) have split their past two decisions but are coming off a tough 5-2 setback against UTSA Sunday to open the homestand. The Cardinals dropped the doubles point to fall behind early but battled back in singles play. Big Red picked up wins on courts 1 and 5, respectively, but came up short on the other courts.
 
LU faced a bit of hard luck against the Roadrunners. The Cardinals had three sets go to a tiebreak but came up short in each one.
 
The Vaqueros have opened the 2019 campaign with an equally tough schedule, similar to that of LU. The Vaqueros (2-5) split their first four matches of the season recording wins over UAB and Prairie View A&M but have since dropped contests to Rice, Baylor and Southland foe Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. During their three-match skid, UTRGV has been outscored 16-1.
 
Friday's match will get underway Friday at 2 p.m. and will take place at the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
Following their match against UTRGV, the LU men will turn right back round 48 hours later to face Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles travel to Beaumont representing Conference USA. The Eagles have split their first four decisions of the season and bring a 2-2 (.500) overall record to the Golden Triangle. After winning their first two matches of the season, Southern Miss enters the week having dropped consecutive decisions to UAB and UL Lafayette. The Golden Eagles will take on UTRGV Saturday before stepping on the court against the Cardinals.
 
Sunday's match against Southern Miss is slated to begin at noon Sunday. It will take place at the Thompson Family Tennis Center. All LU home matches are free to the public.