SAN DIEGO – Victories by Alejandro Jimenez and Andy Caruana at Nos. 5 and 6 singles lifted the MSU Denver men's tennis team to a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Point Loma (Calif.) on Tuesday in the opener of a four-dual swing through Pacific West Conference territory.
 
The MSU Denver women were defeated 5-2 by the Sea Lions.
 
"What a great match for the guys," MSU Denver coach Josh Graetz said. "We were very disappointed in our doubles point today, but to come back and win four singles matches against a tough opponent is a credit to the guys. They all battled hard today, from the guys on the court to the guys supporting them.
 
Jimenez improved to 8-1 in singles play with his 6-4, 6-2 victory over Alejandro Castaneda, then in the thrilling dual-decider, Caruana beat Jasdeep Pintal 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 at No. 6.

"It was a great job by Andy getting the clinch-match win," Graetz said. "He kept his composure all the way to the end."
 
MSU Denver, ranked 50^th in NCAA Division II, improved to 7-1.
 
The Roadrunners dropped the doubles point, and fell behind 2-0 before Carlos Pinedo won his No. 3 singles match 6-1, 6-4 and tied it 2-2 after Jeanloup Auzias won 6-4, 6-4 at No. 1. But MSU Denver trailed 3-2 before clinching the final two matches of the dual.
 
Earlier in the women's dual, MSU Denver dropped to 5-5 despite winning the double point.
 
Ava Neuburger-Higby won at No. 1 singles 7-5 (8-4), 6-2.
 
"The ladies executed well in doubles and got us off to a strong start," Graetz said. "Unfortunately we didn't play our best singles as a team, but there were many learning lessons heading into tomorrow. Point Loma is very solid from top to bottom, so I'm proud of the ladies regardless of the result."

MSU Denver continues its road swing Wednesday, playing Fresno Pacific (Calif.) at Biola (Calif.) beginning at 5 p.m. MDT. The Fresno Pacific women are ranked 16^th in NCAA Division II.