LAKE CHARLES – McNeese women's tennis head coach Helena Besovic and her Cowgirl squad open the 2017 spring season Wednesday morning as they make their way to New Orleans to take on in-state foe Tulane at 11 a.m.
 
In her third year at the helm, Besovic looks to make great strides and lead her Cowgirl squad back to the Southland Conference tournament, where they have advanced to the semi-finals the last three seasons, and capture the crown.
 
"I'm looking forward to the beginning of our season this week," said Besovic. "Everyone has come back from the break with high spirits and excited to start competing."
 
Leading the way for the Cowgirls is 2016 SLC Freshman of the Year Giovanna Fioretti as well as All-SLC selection junior Hannah Brett, who finished out last season on a 15-match winning streak.
 
Junior Sarah Jurakova, who earned All-SLC honors last season, and sophomore Charoline Erlandsson look to make an impact after posting big numbers in both singles and doubles action in 2016.
 
Vivien Borbely enters her final season with the Cowgirls and will look to lead the squad as the only senior on the team.
 
Freshmen Stella Carra and Jovana Marinkovic will look to add a spark to the already talented Cowgirl lineup in their first season on campus.
 
Tulane returns five letterwinners from a 2016 squad that posted an 8-14 overall mark along with an appearance at the American Athletic Conference championships.
 
"Our non conference schedule is set up to get us ready for Southland play and I'm confident we will be in great shape by the time we start conference matches," said Besovic.
 
Following Wednesday's contest, McNeese will travel to Waco, Texas for matches with UT-Rio Grande Valley and Baylor on Saturday and Sunday.