BEAUMONT, Texas – Winners in four of their previous six matches, the Lamar University men's tennis team returns to action Friday eyeing a rematch with Abilene Christian. A rare in-season home-and-home contest, it will be the second meeting between the two schools in the last two weeks.
 
The first meeting saw ACU get the upper hand, 6-1, but the Wildcats now make the long journey to Beaumont where the Cardinals will look to protect a perfect home record this season (7-0). Lamar will also be looking to keep a spotless record going on the current six-match homestand.
 
The Wildcats (8-5) are off to a strong start this season but have only played two matches since the last time these two schools hooked up. During that time ACU has dropped a four-point decision to UT Arlington and defeated Texas A&M-Texarkana, 6-1.
 
The all-time series between the two schools is evened up at 14 wins a piece, but ACU has won three straight and four of the last five. Friday's contest is slated for a 1 p.m. start from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
The Cardinals will turn right back around Sunday to host UT Arlington. The Mavericks are 6-5 (.545) on the season and have caught fire recently winning four straight. The Mavs will be at Rice Saturday before traveling to LU. Sunday's match is set for an 11 a.m. start from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.