DENVER – The MSU Denver men's and women's tennis teams are off to experience the great indoors.
 
The Roadrunners are hitting the road for one of two extended trips this season, playing three duals in three days in three locations.
 
But, due to weather conditions, all three will be played at indoor facilities. But, in an unusually chilly first couple of months of 2023, that's not too much of an adjustment for MSU Denver. After playing at Emporia State (Kan.) on Thursday, the Roadrunners travel to play at Rockhurst (Mo.) on Friday before a Saturday matchup against Northwest Missouri State that will be played in nearby Red Oak, Iowa.
 
"In some ways it's disappointing, but in others we're probably more prepared to play indoors anyway, since that's predominantly where we've been training," MSU Denver coach Josh Graetz said. "When you play outdoors, the wind, the sun and the cold become factors. But we got outdoors for the first time this week since the first week of the semester, and we've had less than five outdoor practices this semester.
 
"We've gotten enough tennis in. It hasn't' been a lack of practice, it's been a lack of outdoor practice."
 
The Emporia State starting times have been altered due to weather, with the women scheduled to start at 7 a.m. MST and the men's dual to follow afterwards. Friday's matches at Rockhurst are set for 7:30 a.m. MST, while the dual at Northwest Missouri State starts at 10:30 a.m. MST.
 
"The biggest thing for us will be the mental challenge, more than anything, over the next three to four days," Graetz said.
 
Thursday's duals at Emporia State figure to be a grueling day, as only two courts are available for what could be as many as 18 matches.
 
The trek through Kansas and Missouri – and now southwest Iowa – is a fairly familiar one for the Roadrunners' tennis program.
 
"It's a good trip, and a chance to see some strong team that aren't too far away," Graetz said. "I think the players enjoy seeing a different part of the world. Kansas and Missouri are a little different than downtown Denver. The teams are all pretty well-matched, so it should be solid competition early in the season."
 
Graetz said the lack of outdoor work shouldn't be a factor as the season progresses.
 
"We'll be fine unless March is terrible," he said. "You're able to adjust to playing outdoors in a few days, not months or weeks, once you get used to the elements. The courts are slower outside."
 
The MSU Denver men are 4-2 during the 2022-23 season, including a 2-1 record (also played indoors) since dual play resumed in February after a 4 ½-month break.
 
Juho Kantola leads the Roadrunners with a 9-3 record in singles play, while Alejandro Jimenez has the best winning percentage at .800 (8-2). No. 1 singles player Jeanloup Auzias is 7-4. In doubles, Auzias and Billy McDermott have gone 9-2 while paired together.
 
"The guys have been competing hard in practice, beating up on each other," Graetz said.
 
The Roadrunners' women are 4-3 for the season, including 1-2 since the break.
 
Marie Cool is 8-4 in singles, and No. 1 player Isabel Heras is 6-6. The Roadrunners' top doubles combination has been its No. 1 pairing of Heras and Kinsey Fields, who are 8-2.
 
"Isabel has been competing really well at the top spot," Graetz said. "She's starting to find her rhythm and I'm excited about what she can do during her senior year."