April 18, 2012

BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar University men's tennis team closes out its regular season by hosting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 2 p.m. Thursday in a Southland Conference match.

Lamar (7-10 overall, 1-3 Southland) would wrap up fifth place in the conference with a win over the Islanders (11-11, 3-1).

"We're looking at having a strong finish to the regular season," said Lamar coach Scott Shankles, whose Cardinals are coming off a 5-2 conference win at Texas-Pan American.

Shankles wants his team to play better in doubles. The Cardinals have lost the doubles point in all four of their conference matches this season.

"Getting that opening point is crucial," Shankles said. "We've come close to winning doubles on a number of occasions, but just can't seal the deal. That's something we need to do."

Rob Lee leads Lamar with a 10-7 singles mark. Carlos Valdenebro is 9-7 in singles competition.

Admission to all home Lamar tennis matches is free.

LAMAR