LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese women's tennis team is set to open up Southland Conference play Saturday as the Cowgirls face off against Southeastern Louisiana with a first serve set for noon at the Nancy Hank Tennis Center.
 
The team will serve Jimmy John's sandwiches and Mardi Gras King Cake during the match for those in attendance.
 
McNeese (4-6) posted a 4-0 shutout over in-state rival UL-Lafayette Wednesday and has now won three out of its last five matches. The Cowgirls are 2-3 against programs for the state of Louisiana this season with its victories coming against Grambling and the Cajuns.
 
Four Cowgirls are on singles winning streaks as they head into Saturday's match including sophomore Hannah Brett, who has won four consecutive bouts against her opponents.
 
The doubles teams have been strong for McNeese claiming the first point of the match in its last four matches. The Cowgirls swept doubles play against Grambling and Prairie View A&M.
 
Southeastern Louisiana (3-1) last played on February 17 in a loss to South Alabama. The Lady Lions has taken decisions against LSU-Alexandria, Jackson State and Southern.
 
Fleur Holtkamp leads SLU in singles wins with three on the year while Dany Raygadas has played from the top spot and holds a 2-2 record.
 
In doubles, the No. 1 combo of Holtkamp and Dahlmans are a perfect 4-0 while the Lady Lions are a combined 6-6 on the season.
 
The Cowgirls lead the all-time series, 22-13, against Southeastern Louisiana with the first meeting coming back in 1979. McNeese won last year's meeting, 5-2, in Hammond.
 
The Cowgirls finished 7-4 in league action last season before advancing to the semi-finals of the SLC Tournament.