TO READ THE FULL PREVIEW, CLICK ON THE "TIGER MEN'S TENNIS SEASON OPENER PROGRAM" LINK.
 
No. 13 Tiger Men's Tennis hits the courts to start their spring season as they take on Incarnate Word, Tyler Junior College, and Abilene Christian.
 
Last Time
 
During their fall season, the Tigers took home the ITA Regional Doubles Championship and the duo of Connor Whittington (Lake Oswego, Oregon / Lake Oswego) and Jared Perry (Tucson, Arizona / Catalina Foothills) would head to the ITA Cup. Unfortunately for the pairing, they would fall in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Good news for the Tigers, however, putting three of their doubles teams in the semifinals. The Tigers come into the spring season ranked the 13th team in the country, four spots above SCAC rival Southwestern.
 
Preview - Tigers Back In Play
 
The Tigers open their spring season against the University of the Incarnate Word on Thursday, February 8th, and then Tyler Junior College and Abilene Christian on Friday, February 10th at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
 
On the Incarnate Word Cardinals: The Cardinals are 5-1 in duals so far this season. The Cardinals have dropped their only match this season to Jacksonville State as they would get swept 0-4. Other than that, the Cardinals have dominated all other opponents thus far. In 2023, the Cardinals went 13-9 overall but ended their regular season on a five-game losing streak. The Tigers are 3-8 against the Cardinals since 2009.
 
On the Tyler Apaches: The Apaches are 0-1 thus far. In their lone match this season, the Apaches were defeated by the University of New Orleans 3-4. The Apaches did have good performances at the NAIA & JUCO ITA regional as they won the doubles championship and sent a singles player to the semifinals. Trinity is 3-9 against TJC since 2009. 
 
On the Abilene Christian Wildcats: Abilene Christian is 4-3 this season. However, the record does not tell the whole story. The Wildcats have faced some tough NCAA I competition such as Baylor, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas. The Wildcats have faced fellow NCAA III school Hardin-Simmons and crushed them 7-0. This will be a good, early test for the Tigers. Since 2009, Trinity is 2-10 against ACU and has dropped the last seven matches. 
 
Looking Ahead - Home Opener
 
The Tigers will play their first home matches of the spring season against Concordia (TX) on Friday, February 16th at 3:00 PM at the Butch Newman Tennis Center.