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SAN MARCOS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's tennis team is set for a couple of matches this weekend starting on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Stephen F. Austin at Texas State's Bobcat Tennis Complex. 
 
UTRGV will face Texas State on Sunday at 10 a.m.
 
Opening Weekend
The Vaqueros opened their season last weekend by hosting Lamar and Tarleton at the Orville Cox Tennis Center. 
 
There were a lot of eyes on the Vaqueros as they kicked off the second season under head coach West Nott and those eyes were noticing a big change from last season. 
 
"Regardless if we won or lost, I was really happy that in the feedback from people watching, that they played with a lot of energy, a lot of passion, and they were excited to be out there," UTRGV head coach West Nott said. "That's really the key thing for me. I just want to make sure that everyone is competing with a positive attitude and giving their best all the way until the end. I think for the most part, we did that and we are going to keep plugging away."
 
New Faces Creates More Energy
The Vaqueros are welcomed six new faces to the team this season in Asia Allen, Natalie Arce, Isabelle Bahr, Valeria Gracia, Lea Karren, and Anna Mora. 
 
When you include the returners, there are a total of 13 members on the squad with only six spots in the lineup, which creates healthy competition. 
 
The additional numbers also strengthen team chemistry and for the Vaqueros that causes the passion and energy to bubble to the surface. 
 
"We just added more people in the building and it put more pressure on everyone to compete harder because no spot in the lineup is safe," Nott said. "Being here after a year and a half, the team chemistry is better. There is more trust and better communication. We have added some dynamic personalities who are really loud and passionate. We have some girls from the Valley that are passionate about where they are from. They play with a chip on their shoulders. If you give them some time, they will do some great things."
 
Stepping into Top Spot
Freshman Isabelle Bahr made her collegiate debut last weekend. 
 
Bahr debuted in the No. 1 singles spot for the Vaqueros and she did not shy away from it. Bahr won both of her singles matches by defeating Lamar's Bianca Vitale and Tarleton's Mihaela Codreanu. 
 
Bahr hasn't looked like a freshman since arriving on campus.
 
"Izzy definitely surprised me a little bit," Nott said. "I didn't know too much about here before she got here. I analyzed her through video and word of mouth. I got a lot of good references about her. To see her on campus in that first practice really showed how serious of a tennis player she is and how tough she is. I remember the first practice she had, she did not miss a ball. She was so mentally engaged and so gritty on her movement and it's showed in every practice leading up to the first match."
 
Facing Stephen F. Austin

• Stephen F. Austin is 3-1 on the season after defeating Grambling State 4-0 on Jan. 31.
• Stephen F. Austin also has wins over Jackson State and Alcorn State both on Jan. 30.
• Its only loss came against Louisiana Tech falling 3-4. 
• UTRGV is 3-13 all-time against Stephen F. Austin in a series that dates back to 1994.
• Last season, UTRGV fell 1-6 to Stephen F. Austin in Nacagdoches.
• UTRGV last defeated Stephen F. Austin back on April 3, 2009 coming away with the 4-0 victory at home. 

 
Facing Texas State

• The Bobcats are 0-1 this season after falling 1-6 to Houston on Jan. 31.
• Texas State will face Stephen F. Austin on Friday. 
• UTRGV is 3-25 all-time against Texas State in a series that dates back to 1986.
• UTRGV last faced Texas State on April 15, 2017 as the Bobcats took the match 6-1.
• UTRGV last defeated Texas State on Feb. 16, 2008 winning 5-2 at home. 

 
Upcoming Schedule

• Feb. 9 vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi – 3 p.m.
• Feb. 13 @ St. Mary's – 3 p.m.
• Feb. 19 @ Sam Houston – 1 p.m.
• Feb. 20 @ Houston – 10:30 a.m.
• Feb. 23 @ Texas A&M-Corpus Christi – 1 p.m.

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