By Michael Freeman, Sports Writer

With the Lone Star Conference Championships looming, the ACU tennis teams played two teams as tune-up matches Tuesday. The Wildcat women routed Howard Payne University 9-0. The men also pounded Howard Payne 9-0, but lost to Tyler Junior College 5-4.

On Tuesday, the women played at home against Howard Payne.

“They just dominated,” head coach Hutton Jones said. “It was a good tune-up match.” The Wildcat women go into the Lone Star Conference Championships this Thursday with a record of 25-6.

The men were also on the court last Tuesday, defeating Howard Payne 9-0, and falling to Tyler Junior College 5-4. Tyler Junior College is ranked first in the nation among junior college tennis teams.

“We played them tough,” Jones said. “I felt pretty encouraged. I think the guys came away more confident after that match.”

Jones said he is confident about the teams’ chances in the tournament. Both tennis teams won the Lone Star Conference tournament last year.

“I think, as a No. 1 seed, we’ll be the team to beat,” Jones said. “I do feel like we’re the best, but the competition won’t go out quietly. We should be rested and ready to go. I expect to win.”