SURPRISE, Ariz. – Jeanloup Auzias picked up a quality victory at No. 2 singles, but No. 8 seed MSU Denver was unable to overcome top-seeded, 13^th-ranked and undefeated Azusa Pacific (Calif.) on Thursday in the first round of the Pacific West Conference Tournament.
 
The Roadrunners were defeated 4-1 and dropped into the consolation bracket.
 
They played Thursday without nationally-ranked Juho Kantola, who had been playing No. 2 singles.
 
Auzias was a 6-2, 6-2 winner in his match against Miha Velicka.
 
Alejandro Jimenez was beaten 6-4, 6-4 at No. 1 singles by 30^th-ranked Elias Walter. Freshman Reid Rainwater turned in a solid effort at No. 6 singles, forcing his match to a third set – that match went unfinished as Azusa Pacific (20-0) clinched the dual.
 
MSU Denver (9-12) plays Point Loma (Calif.) on 10 a.m. on Friday.