SURPRISE, Ariz. – The third time was indeed the charm for the MSU Denver women's tennis team, which defeated rival Colorado Mesa 4-2 on Wednesday in the opening round of the Pacific West Conference tournament.
 
The Roadrunners had lost twice to Mesa earlier this month, both times 4-3, including just four days ago.
 
"It's always nice to get a win against a program that has had your number the last couple times," MSU Denver coach Josh Graetz said.
 
MSU Denver (14-7) lost the doubles point to Mesa once again, despite a 6-0 victory for the 38^th-ranked No. 1 tandem of Isabel Heras and Kinsey Fields, but then won four of the five singles matches that were completed to clinch the victory.
 
"Once again, credit to Mesa for getting the doubles point," Graetz said. "Our execution will need to improve in doubles moving forward."
 
In singles, Heras won the first set at No. 1 6-2 and led 1-0 in the second before her opponent retired. Lilly Stienemeier won 6-0, 6-3 at No. 4, Fields was a 7-6 (4), 6-4 winner at No. 3 and Monica Guarin clinched the victory with a 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 6. Guarin has won 11 straight matches and is now 25-10 for her career.
 
"I was proud of how we battled in singles and took it to Mesa," Graetz said. "Shout out to Monica for the clinch match. She has been playing well."
 
Ninth-seeded MSU Denver advances to a quarterfinal matchup Thursday at 10 a.m. MDT (9 a.m. in Arizona) against top-seeded and 22^nd-ranked Hawaii Pacific.