BEAUMONT, Texas – Having had their previous slated match cancelled due to the recent winter storm in Southeast Texas, the Lamar University women's tennis team will return to action this Friday when they open Southland Conference play against Northwestern State in Natchitoches.
 
Following wins against Prairie View A&M, UT Rio Grande Valley and McNeese (non-conference) this season, the Cardinals enter conference play with a 3-2 record. Having won 60 percent of their singles matches this season, the Cardinals will look to emulate similar form against the Demons.
 
The Cardinals will have senior and team captain Bianca Vitale to spearhead their attack. Vitale is unbeaten in her prior three matches and boasts a 4-1 (.800) record in singles play. Freshman Elena Rodriguez has impressed in her debut season for Big Red, also holding a 4-1 singles record. Rodriguez has also impressed with doubles partner, Elena Rubio. The freshman duo remains unbeaten this season in their opening four matches.
 
Northwestern State has had trouble just stepping on the court this season. The Demons enter the week with a 1-0 record but have had five matches cancelled already. The Demons opened their season on Feb. 23 with a 7-0 decision against LSU-Alexandria. Northwestern went the 2020 season unbeaten at home and rode an overall record of 10-4 on the year (3-1 SLC). Northwestern held an impressive record in singles play, having won 52 of their 76 matches in 2020.
 
Friday's match is slated to begin at 1 p.m. in Natchitoches. The Cardinals will play their second conference match on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. when they travel to Central Arkansas (5-7).