KEARNEY, Neb. – The MSU Denver men's tennis teams won a pair of duals as it resumed its season, edging past host Nebraska-Kearney 4-3 before defeating Augustana (S.D.).
 
The Roadrunners women cruised to a 7-0 victory over Hastings (Neb.) before falling 7-0 to the powerhouse Augustana women's program.
 
For the men, the dual with Nebraska-Kearney was a big one for the Lopers, playing at home for the first time after restoring their program. The Roadrunners won all three doubles matches 6-4 to earn that point, then won at Nos. 1 through 3 singles with Jeanloup Auzias, Juho Kantola and Alejandro Jimenez.
 
Auzias came from behind to win in a super set 2-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-6), while Kantola won a close 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) decision. Jimenez won a little more comfortably: 6-1, 7-5.
 
The Roadrunners rode their top singles players again against Augustana: Auzias won 6-2, 7-6, Kantola won 6-4, 6-4 and Jimenez was a 6-1, 6-1 victor.
 
Maximo Lawlor was a winner at No. 6 singles, and MSU Denver captured the doubles point by winning two of three contests.
 
The Roadrunners' women had little trouble with Hastings, an NAIA opponent, losing a total of just three games in nine matches. The doubles matches were all 6-0 sweeps.
 
"Our team had a good first day, engaging in high-level doubles and an amazing effort in singles," MSU Denver coach Bruno Campos said. "This experience is a valuable learning process, and I am confident that we are on the right track.
 
"It's now time to rest and prepare for another competitive day ahead. The season is super long, and it's not how we start, but it is how we finish. We will be ready when the time comes."
 
Both teams are set to play Newman (Kan.) at 8 a.m. CST Saturday.