BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University men's tennis team is in Abilene, Texas looking to secure at least a share of the Western Athletic Conference regular-season title, but to do that must clear two big hurdles – Chicago State (Friday) and New Mexico State (Saturday).
 
The conference co-leaders, LU (14-6/4-0 WAC) is currently tied with New Mexico State. After facing a tough three-match stretch during non-conference play, the Cardinals have bounced back winning their last six matches. Big Red has outscored its opponents, 32-8.
 
Chicago State has struggled during the 2022 season with an 8-13 (.381) overall record and is currently one of two league schools still looking for their first victory. The Cougars were playing some of their best tennis to close out their non-conference schedule but they have struggled in WAC play dropping their first four matches. Friday's match will be the first meeting between the two schools.
 
If the Cardinals can get past CSU, that would set up a potential showdown with the Aggies for the conference title. The Aggies are 9-12 (.429) on the season but the under .500 record shouldn't fool anyone. NMSU played a very tough non-conference slate and they caught fire in conference play. Saturday's match will serve as the sixth all-time meeting between the schools with NMSU holding a 4-1 advantage. The lone LU win came during the 2015 season when the Cardinals shut out NMSU, 4-0. All five previous meetings have been played at a neutral site.