LINDSBORG, Kan. – The College of Saint Mary tennis team opened its fall season Saturday at the Bethany College Invitational.

It was CSM's first time playing in the event that was run in an 8-game pro-set singles tournament format. Participating for the Flames were Renee Acena, Carolyna Truong, Miranda Swanson, Darece Van Aucken and Pamela Martinez.

"This individual event served as a warm-up for the competition season ahead which includes the GPAC individuals in Lincoln and then back to Kansas for the ITAs," CSM Coach Mike Johnson said.

Johnson said the highlight today was Acena advancing to the 'A' finals where she lost 8-2 to Maria Purizaca from Doane. Earlier in the day Acena won 8-3 in her opener and then won her second round in a tiebreaker.

Truong lost 8-1 in the 'B' bracket opener and then 8-1 in the next round. Swanson got an 8-3 victory in her first round of the 'C' draw singles and then lost 8-0 in the second round. Van Aucken lost 8-3 in the first round of the 'F' bracket and then lost her second round 8-4. Martinez was defeated 8-2 in the 'G' bracket and then lost her second round 8-3.

"Miranda winning her first round was a big moment for the team," Johnson said. "And Pamela showed some great tenacity and a great on-court demeanor."

The GPAC individual tournament is next up for the Flames. That event is Friday and Saturday.

"We are getting ready for the GPAC individuals where we will battle it out on the court with singles and doubles," Johnson said.