RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's tennis team is set for its season and home opening-match Saturday as it hosts the Texas A&M-Kingsville (TAMUK) Javelinas at 1 p.m. at the Orville Cox Tennis Center. 
 
UTRGV is 14-3 all-time against the Javelinas and has won three consecutive matches in the head-to-head series. Last season, the Vaqueros went to Kingsville and picked up a 5-2 win. This will be the first match in Edinburg since 2022, which saw UTRGV win, 6-1. 
 
Despite the recent success against TAMUK, the Vaqueros aren't taking the match lightly. A season opener brings some nerves, especially for a relatively new and young squad, so they're focused on staying mentally tough to find success. 
 
"Kingsville is a really well-coached team. They've always played us pretty tough in the past, so we don't take them lightly. It's going to be a dog fight, especially with the nerves of the first match of the season," head coach West Nott said. "I think we just have to overcome ourselves to have a great day. Just have a positive mindset, great attitude, play with a lot of energy, and then good things will happen." 
 
The Vaqueros spent a lot of time "playing points" to create a competitive environment similar to a real match this week. They moved Friday's practice to the afternoon to get some time playing in similar temperature to what's expected Saturday. Nott said the team has been committed and brought great energy to the courts since returning to campus and he's excited for them to get the season underway. 
 
"Everyone has a chip on their shoulder because they all have something to prove. I think we want to have a better year compared to last season. Everyone came back ready to go and with a whole new mindset. It's really exciting to work with these players," Nott said. 

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