DENVER – MSU Denver celebrated Senior Day in just about the best way possible Saturday, as both the women and the 33^rd-ranked men earned key victories over Hawaii-Hilo.
 
The Roadrunners' men played without Juho Kantola, their No. 2 singles player who is also part of a nationally-ranked doubles team, and won 5-2. The women were able to earn a 4-3 victory with Lilly Stienemeier winning the clinching match.
 
"I'm so proud of both teams today," MSU Denver coach Josh Graetz said.
 
The men won their ninth straight dual to improve to 13-3 for the season. It was their second win over Hawaii-Hilo, though the Vulcans were much fresher this time than three weeks ago when the teams met in Fresno, Calif.
 
After Alejandro Jimenez and senior David Kijak clinched the doubles point with a 7-5 victory at No. 1, the Roadrunners got singles victories at Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5. That included a second win for Kijak on Senior Day at No. 5, as well as an eighth straight win for 62^nd-ranked Jeanloup Auzias at No. 1.

"Our guys were able to handle a solid Hilo team, and were able to adjust to some last-minute changes," Graetz said. "We showcased our depth today. It was a great win."
 
The women improved to 13-6 in a match that went down to the wire. The Roadrunners got the doubles point – including a win by the 35^th-ranked duo of Isabel Heras and Kinsey Fields – before winning singles matches at Nos. 1, 5 and 6.
 
Stienemeier had the clinch match at No. 5, winning 6-2, 7-5 to send her teammates celebrating on the court with her.

"Our ladies won a nail-biter today," Graetz said. "The doubles point was critical to the win and Lilly was able to win the clinch match. She was composed until the end, and she should be very proud.

"It was an overall team effort today."