BEAUMONT, Texas – Mother Nature proved she wasn't much of a tennis fan Friday afternoon, forcing Lamar University to alter its home opener against UT Rio Grande Valley, but the Red and White didn't allow that to keep them from taking care of business. LU defeated the Vaqueros, 6-1, at the Beaumont Municipal Tennis Complex.
 
"Even though we had to change our plans a little bit today, the guys didn't allow that to change their approach to the match or their focus on the game plan," said LU head coach Scott Shankles. "We got off to a good start in doubles and carried that momentum into singles on all five court. UTRGV fought us quite a bit, but in the end we were able to close out when we needed to."
 
The Cardinals made quick work of their guests in doubles play picking up the point with 6-4 and 6-3 wins on the first two courts. That win guaranteed the Cardinals a 2-0 lead as UTRGV was unable to play court six due to injuries.
 
Taking advantage of the opportunity, sophomore Axel Vila Antuna added more pressure to the situation with his straight-sets decision over Carlo Izurieta, 6-3, 6-0. Vila Antuna's quick match allowed No. 5 singles to get on the court quicker than expected with the two teams playing on just four courts.
 
The Cardinals needed just one more win to lock up the match and didn't have to wait long to get it. Freshman Filippo Salsini defeated UTRGV's TeKani Williams, 6-4, 6-2, on court four to lock up the win for the Cardinals.
 
Despite having the match put away, there was still some excitement remaining as the final three courts all went to a third set. Big Red took victories on the next two courts to finish before the Vaqueros scored their only point of the match.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 13, when they host Alcorn State in a doubleheader. The first match against the Braves begins at 10 a.m. with the second getting under way at 2 p.m.