PUEBLO, Colo. – The Metropolitan State University of Denver women's tennis team pitched a near shutout in defeating Texas-Permian Basin on Friday.
 
The Roadrunners earned a 6-1 victory, with the only loss coming by default at No. 6 singles. MSU Denver clinched the doubles point by winning two matches.
 
The victory on the opening day of the Colorado State University-Pueblo duals was the first for new MSU Denver coach Josh Graetz.

"Overall it was a great day," Graetz said. "The girls came out strong in doubles and it continued into singles play. We will look to build on this win into the weekend."
 
Tabitha Porter (Auckland, New Zealand/Northcote College) won 6-0, 6-0 over Amelie Saint-Dizier in No. 1 singles and also combined with Mackenzie Hotan (Beaverton, OR/Southridge H.S.) for an 8-2 doubles win over Stephanie Prats and Madison Hoelting.
 
Ainsley Winterrowd (Lacey, Wash./North Thurston) also cruised in singles, winning 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4.
 
MSU Denver concludes its stay at the tournament Saturday, with matches at 8:15 a.m. against Newman (Kan.) and 2:30 p.m. against Fort Hays State (Kan.).
 
Friday's results:
 
Doubles

1. Alex Pessoa (Denver, Colo./Home-schooled)/Helena Steenberg (Skodsborg, Denmark/Naerum Gymnasium, Naerum, Denmark) (MSUD) def. Maria Briones/Amelie Saint-Dizier (UTPB), 8-5
2. Tabitha Porter (Auckland, New Zealand/Northcote College)/Mackenzie Hotan (Beaverton, OR/Southridge H.S.) (MSUD) def. Stephanie Prats/Madison Hoelting (UTPB), 8-2
3. Jessica Madamba/A. Obreque (UTPB) won by default.

 
Singles

1. Porter (MSUD) def. Saint-Dizier (UTPB), 6-0, 6-0
2. Pessoa (MSUD) def. Briones (UTPB), 6-4, 6-1
3. Steenberg (MSUD) def. Hoelting (UTPB), 6-4, 6-2
4. Ainsley Winterrowd (Lacey, Wash./North Thurston) (MSUD) def. A. Obreque (UTPB) 6-1, 6-0
5. Mackenzie Hotan (Beaverton, OR/Southridge H.S.) (MSUD) def. Paulina Obreque (UTPB) 7-5, 7-6 (5)
6. Madamba (UTPB) won by default.