DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman opens its 2019 women's tennis season Tuesday at nearby Embry-Riddle at 3:30 p.m.

The Lady Wildcats finished 9-8 last season under Val Villucci, now entering her third season as Head Coach. BCU advanced to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament semifinals, dropping a 4-3 loss to Hampton after erasing a 3-0 deficit to tie the match.

WHO'S GONE:  First-team All-MEAC performer Matea Roki and veteran Alejandra Vidal, the program's sixth highest victories leader, wrapped up their careers last spring.

WHO'S BACK:  MEAC Rookie Of The Year Rheanna Butt, who was a combined 24-8 in singles and doubles play, returns along with junior Phatsimo Ruele, who delivered the deciding point in BCU's 4-3 MEAC tournament quarterfinal win over Howard. Senior Karen Romero is recuperating from an injury and will be limited to doubles action.

WHO'S SORTA NEW: Freshman Michelle Ncube, who won her flight at the HBCU Nationals tournament and performed impressively at the Bedford Cup during Fall play, leads the newcomers along with Afrika Smith. Also, Sheerly Bueno, who played briefly during the Fall last season, is back on the roster.

WHO'S REALLY NEW: Chalina Godbolt from Germany will make her BCU debut Tuesday.

THE PREDICTION: BCU was picked to finish second in the MEAC Southern Division, edged out by archrival Florida A&M by one mere point in the point of conference coaches and sports information directors.

TODAY'S COVERAGE: Follow our official twitter feed @CatsTennis for in-match updates.