THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University women's and men's tennis team are set to open their spring schedules Saturday, Jan. 25.

The women begin their campaign at home against Sun Belt Conference member and former Southland foe, Texas State. First serve at the Colonel Tennis Complex is scheduled for 12 p.m.

The men start their season in Baton Rouge in the Jerry Simmons Invitational at the LSU TEnnis Complex.

"We are excited to get the season going, the level and competition will be high this year," said Nicholls tennis head coach Greg Harkins, who is entering his third season at the helm. "We are challenging the programs with tough schedules to help us compete at the highest levels in the Southland Conference and raise the visibility for the programs in our region. The experience we gain will gain will be a stepping stone to where we will be in the future."

The women are coming off an 11-11 season which included a 6-7 record at home. Stephanie Barnett added another outstanding campaign to her career with a 15-6 mark at No. 1 singles, while Mariia Kozachok also had a winning record at 12-9.

On the men's side, the Colonels will be up against stellar competition at LSU, opening play against South Florida. The other six teams in the field are the host Tigers, three-time Southland champion Lamar, Georgia State, Penn State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and New Orleans.

Néstor Giribet Lopez led the squad last season with an 8-8 record in singles. As a team, the Colonels finished at 5-12 with one win coming in conference.

ADMISSION
Admission to all home tennis matches at the Colonel Tennis Complex is free of charge.

FOLLOW ALONG
The women's tennis team can be followed all season long on Twitter @Nicholls_WTEN, and the men@Nicholls_MTEN.