Bearkat Tennis releases 2024 spring schedule
12/7/2023 10:32:00 AM | Women's Tennis
HUNTSVILLE – Head coach Rob Hubbard has announced the 2024 spring dual match schedule for the Sam Houston women's tennis team. The challenging 22-match slate includes nine contests against foes the Bearkats have never played before in the program's 44-year history.Â
"Our spring schedule differs significantly from past years," Hubbard said. "This will be our inaugural season in Conference USA. We will have to play at a high level to succeed in our new league."Â
This spring also will be the Kats' final season at the McAdams Tennis Center. Construction of the University's new Beckner Tennis Center began in September. The addition of the modern facility to the campus was made possible by a gift from avid Bearkat tennis fans Wanda and Chuck Beckner. The facility will be located at 515 Bowers Blvd. across from the Don Sanders Baseball Stadium.Â
The 2024 non-conference tennis action begins with a home doubleheader versus Prairie View on Saturday, January 20. A single contest versus UT Tyler Saturday, January 27 follows at the McAdams Tennis Center on campus.Â
Overall, Sam Houston will take on six former Southland Conference opponents this spring. The Kats host McNeese Sunday, February 18 and Lamar Friday, February 23. The Bearkat netters will travel to Texas State Friday, February 2; UTSA Sunday February 4; Stephen F. Austin Sunday, February 25 and Abilene Christian Saturday, March 16.Â
"Playing our former Southland Conference foes will give us the opportunity to start the schedule against familiar opponents," Hubbard said. "We're especially looking forward to rematches with longtime foes Stephen F. Austin and Lamar. It's exciting to keep those rivalries alive."Â
Conference USA action begins Wednesday, March 13, at home with UTEP. League play continues on the road at Liberty Friday, March 22 and the Kats will catch an additional non-conference match when in Lynchburg when they battle George Washington on March 23. Â
Home matches within CUSA include Louisiana Tech Saturday, March 30; New Mexico State Friday, April 5 and Jax State, Sunday, April 7. A road trip to Middle Tennessee Sunday, March 14 completes CUSA regular season action. Â
The conference postseason tournament will be held in Miami, Fla., April 18-21.Â
"Our spring schedule is challenging but it presents us with outstanding opportunities," Hubbard said. "We must stay healthy, play well and work hard to get better every match. The early competition will help us improve as we ready for the tests we face in a new league."
