HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston women's tennis team will host a pair of early-week matches at the McAdams Tennis Center, including the opener of CUSA play on Wednesday.

Valparaiso is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and will be the foe Monday before UTEP visits on Wednesday. Both matches are set to begin at 1 p.m.

The Kats have compiled a 4-5 record during their pre-conference play. Three of those victories have come on their home court. Valparaiso brings a 3-4 mark into Monday's action while the Miners stand 2-9.

"In our Sunday practice the players and I talked about how Wednesday is the start of our second season," Sam Houston head coach Rob Hubbard said. "Conference competition is what we have been working for throughout the fall tournament schedule and our non-conference matches this semester."

The Kats have posted victories over LSU Shreveport, UT Tyler and twice versus Prairie View A&M.

"Everyone is excited about beginning play in our new conference," Hubbard said. "We have learned a lot during our month-and-a-half of action. We hope to put those lessons to work this week."

The Bearkat lineup is well-balanced with experience and new talent. Paula Cerda and Sahithi Vutukuru are seniors. Megan Basson is the team's lone junior. Aaliyah Hohmann, Vianne Schwab, Linn Svaerd and Yasmin El Fadili all return as sophomores. India Fenieys and Robi Sechi joined the squad as freshmen.