BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University will look to keep its winnings ways when they return to the court Friday to face former rival Stephen F. Austin. In fact, the match against the Ladyjacks kicks off a stretch that will see the Cardinals square off against former Southland foes in each of their next three contests.
 
The Cardinals enter Friday's contest having won consecutive matches, and four of five to start the season. Big Red is coming off a doubleheader sweep of Prairie View A&M over a week ago where they outscored the Panthers 9-3 in the two matches.
 
The Ladyjacks are off to one of their best starts in school history posting a 5-1 (.833) overall record through six matches. SFA opened the season with five-straight wins before dropping a 5-2 decision to UL Lafayette the last time out.
 
The Cardinals are 21-8 (.724) all-time in series history, which began during the 1994 season, with the majority of those matches coming in conference play. The Cardinals have won six consecutive matches against SFA dating back to the 2016-17 season. LU heads north looking to improve upon an 8-6 (.571) record in Nacogdoches. Friday's match will begin at 2 p.m. from the Schlief Tennis Complex.
 
The Cardinals will then take a day off before returning to the Schlief Complex to face Texas State in a neutral site match. Texas State is 2-2 (.500) on the year but hasn't played a match since Feb. 3 due to weather-forced cancelations. The Bobcats will face SFA Saturday before taking on LU.
 
The Cardinals also have the advantage in the series with Texas State by one victory. The Cards are 9-8 (.529) all-time in a series that dates back to the 1995-96 season. Sunday's match, which is slated for an 11 a.m. start, will be the first time the two schools have met on a neutral site.