DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Bethune-Cookman women's tennis team opens its 2016 spring season Friday afternoon against Campbell. 

Match time is 12 p.m. at City Island Courts. The men's team follows at 3 p.m.

 

Three players return from the 22-7 squad that posted the program's first MEAC title since 2001, including two-time MEAC player of the year Mina Matsuba. Also returning are sophomore

Alejandra Vidal, who earned outstanding performer honors at last year's conference tournament and senior Ancia Ifill.

Freshman Hilary Hanton, who advanced to her flight final at the Juan Varon Wildcat Invitational in the fall and Chicago State transfer Matea Roki are among the newcomers. Freshman Karen Romano, a Bogota, Colombia native, recently joined the team.

The 2016 schedule includes matches with nearby rivals Embry-Riddle and Stetson and culminates at the MEAC tournament  April 19-22 in Norfolk, Va.

MEN'S UPDATE: The Wildcats are looking for their first win of the season after last week's 7-0 loss to FAU.