The McNeese Cowgirl tennis team will be the first spring sport to kick off its season when it opens play at Rice on Saturday beginning at 1 followed by a noon first serve at Houston on Sunday.
 
The Cowgirls will hit the court for the first time since March 8 of last year when the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McNeese has been practicing at various courts in the area as the Nancy Hank Tennis Complex has repairs being made due to the damage it suffered at the hands of hurricanes Laura and Delta.
 
"During the little time we spent together on the court, I have already witnessed an improvement so I am excited to see how we translate that during competition," said Cowgirl head coach Giorgia Pozzan. "It has been long overdue. It's finally time for some Cowgirl tennis."
 
The Cowgirl roster is made up of seven student-athletes – four returners and three freshmen. The returners include senior Sofia San Jose Moreno; juniors Matilde Mulatero and Carlotta Romito; and sophomore Hanna Blinouskaya. Freshmen are Yukina Abe, Natalia Ballo and Luna Jokanovic.
 
McNeese last played Rice during the 2018 season, falling by a 7-0 score.
 
"Opening the season against a team like Rice is never easy but we are ready for the challenge," said Pozzan. "We haven't had much time to practice, especially with our freshmen, but the team has been ready to step back on the court since the (2020 spring) season got canceled due to Covid.
 
"Rice is a very well coached team and has incredible talent. We will need to step it up and set the tone starting with doubles."
 
Fans can follow live results on the McNeese Sports website.