MOBILE, Ala. – Following a two-week break, the University of South Alabama women's tennis team gets back in action with three matches this weekend in Texas.

The Jaguars play at Texas-San Antonio at 1 p.m. on Friday, then travel to San Marcos to take on Incarnate Word (Sat. at 3 p.m.) and Texas State (Sun. at 11 a.m.).

"We are looking forward to a strong road test this weekend," said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. "These matches are pretty important for two reasons. First, in order to win the Sun Belt conference we have to be able to compete at a high level for three days in a row. Second, our identity is based on fitness and toughness, and both dimensions with be thoroughly tested this weekend."

South Alabama enters the weekend with a 1-0 mark in their spring campaign. In USA's 7-0 victory over Jacksonville State (Jan. 30), the Jags took the doubles point after dropping a combined three games and won five singles matches in straight sets.

Friday marks the first-ever meeting between UTSA and USA. Texas-San Antonio posts a 3-1 record this spring, with their last win coming against Sam Houston (5-2) on Feb. 6. Nicole Karaklis leads the Roadrunners with a 4-0 mark at the No. 3 spot with three of her wins being in straight sets.

USA also faces Incarnate Word for the first time on Saturday. The Cardinals, 1-5 overall, dropped their first five matches, but snapped the streak with a 5-2 win over Trinity on Feb. 7.

South Alabama leads the all-time series with Sun Belt foe Texas State 2-0. The two teams met last March when the Jags won 5-2. The Bobcats are currently 0-2 after falling to New Mexico State and Stephen F. Austin. Katy Collins leads the team with a 2-0 mark at No. 6.

"Overall, I feel like we are progressing at a steady pace," said Keyser. "If we can continue establishing good habits during practice and the regular season, I feel confident we will set ourselves up to have a very good postseason."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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