JACKSONVILLE, Ala – After 12 days without a dual match Sam Houston women's tennis team returns to action as the Bearkats begin Conference USA play Friday afternoon at Jax State. 

The contest is the first of a two-match league road trip. Sunday the Kats take on the newest CUSA member Kennesaw State on the Owls' home courts. 

"We're looking forward getting Conference USA action underway," Bearkat head coach Rob Hubbard said. "There is a lot of parity in this league. Every match is going to be a tough one." 

The Bearkats posted a 4-4 record in pre-conference action. The four victories included a pair of wins over LSU Shreveport and one win versus both Prairie View and Lamar. 

"The victory over Lamar on the road was a really good one for us," Hubbard said. "In our victories and especially in our matches with strong teams like Texas A&M and Rice we've shown a lot of fight. That's what we are going to need on this trip." 

Friday's opponent Jax State owns a 5-4 mark with victories over Presbyterian, Eastern Kentucky, Alabama A&M, Florida A&M and Lipscomb. 

The 2025 Bearkat roster features returning letter winners sophomore Aaliyah Hohmann , transfers Christine Jevicky, Sara Sadadinovic, Jacqueline Schnabel, Nayuma Subba and Adithi Venkatakrishnan and newcomer freshman Elia Fitcher. 

In the last month rain has washed out four Bearkat contests. The squad's last match was March 2. 

"The players are ready to see some action," Hubbard said. "The weather is looking good in Alabama and we can't wait to get started after so long without a match." 

The two contests mark the first of six consecutive road dates for the Kats. Sam Houston's next home match is April 11 versus Middle Tennessee.