DENVER – There's no backing down for the MSU Denver tennis teams, which travel to Texas for matches Friday and Saturday.
 
The Roadrunners will play exhibition duals against Pratt Community College (Kan.), traditionally one of the country's best junior college programs, at 5 p.m. CST Friday before a difficult Division II doubleheader Saturday against Lubbock Christian (Texas) at 11 a.m. CST and Harding (Ark.) at 3 p.m. CST.
 
"We're excited to go play three tough teams, because that's going to help us down the road, when we go to California and play most of the PacWest schools," MSU Denver coach Bruno Campos said.
 
Both MSU Denver teams played Lubbock Christian in the fall, with the men losing 5-2 and the women falling 4-0. The Lubbock Christian men are currently 4-0, while the women are 6-0.
 
"We're a lot stronger now, mentally and physically, and we've been better every time we step on the court," Campos said. "Sometimes we're not getting the results we want, but we're getting better."
 
In Intercollegiate Tennis Association power rankings, the Harding men (2-2) are similar to Lubbock Christian. The Harding women are also 2-2.
 
The MSU Denver men are 4-3 while the women are 2-6. Both lost to a pair of nationally-ranked teams last weekend in duals at Northwest Missouri State and Washburn (Kan.) before bouncing back to win at William Jewell (Mo.).
 
"It was a long weekend, especially playing two top-20 schools in two days, and we played well," Campos said.
 
Juho Kantola is 7-2 this season while playing primarily at No. 2. Meanwhile true freshman Reid Rainwater (1-3 in duals) is one of several freshmen gaining experience.
 
"I've got to give credit to our freshmen," Campos said. "Because it's not easy to come out right away and play against players from very good teams. But they're doing well. With the amount of matches they're getting, they're going to be able to surprise some people."
 
For the women, No. 1 singles player Emily Hafner (12-8) is among those looking forward to playing outdoor matches after playing the last six duals indoors.
 
"This is her first indoor season, and the indoor game is a lot faster," Campos said. "And it's not the greatest for her style – she's a grinder who keeps balls in play. Now that we're outdoors, she's able to play her style."