BEAUMONT, Texas – Fresh off consecutive victories in non-conference play, Lamar University returns to Western Athletic Conference play Friday when they open a three-game series at Tarleton State.
 
The Cardinals (18-12) have won three of the previous four games and enter the weekend series tied for first in the WAC's Southwest Division with a 7-5 (.583) mark (Sam Houston and Abilene Christian). The co-leaders of the division currently sit a game up on UT Rio Grande Valley. After getting off to a hot start winning their first five series, LU will be looking to reverse a recent trend having dropped their last two series.
 
The Texans head into the home series looking to join the trio at the top of the standings. Tarleton is 9-19 (.321) on the year, but just two games back of the LU for fifth in the league with a 5-7 (.417) mark.
 
Tarleton State will be looking to reverse the current trend of their own. The Texans have dropped seven-straight games, but during that stretch they have been involved in an extra inning game, a one-run, two-run and three-run contest.
 
Friday's contest will be just the second meeting in series history with the first coming last year, in Stephenville. The Texans rallied from an early deficit to record a 10-6 victory.
 
Friday's contest is slated for a 6 p.m. first pitch. Saturday is set for a 2 p.m. start followed by a 1 p.m. game Sunday. All three game will be televised on the WAC Digital Network.