LINCOLN, Neb. – The College of Saint Mary tennis team wrapped up two days of play in the Great Plains Athletic Conference Individual Tournament.

The GPAC runs its individual tournament in the fall and then runs its team competition in the spring.

Renee Acena led the Flames as she qualified for the 'A' finals in singles play. She was defeated 8-5 in the final round.

On Friday the Flames won three rounds of opening singles play. Acena earned a bye, Pamela Martinez cruised to an 8-0 victory and Darece Van Aucken won 8-4. Miranda Swanson lost 8-4 and Blake McDowall was defeated 8-6. Acena then won her second-round match by a score of 8-4.

"Highlights on Friday were first round wins for Pamela and Darece," CSM Coach Mike Johnson said. "Renee had a slow start, but battled her way to an 8-4 win against a tough Concordia opponent to advance.

"The team was really supporting one another and, despite the rain, we had a great experience."

Acena was the only singles player to advance to Saturday's competition.

"Renee started off the morning with some semifinals excitement," Johnson said. "After being down 5-7 and serving love-40, Renee battled her way all the way back to 8-8 before winning the tie break 7-3 for the match win against a great Midland opponent. It was very exciting and is the reason you never give up. We were excited to have Renee advance to the finals."

In the finals Acena lost 8-5 to her Morningside opponent.

In doubles play, Acena and Swanson beat their Doane opponents 6-2 in the first round and then defeated Morningside 6-3. The duo lost 6-3 to Midland in the semifinals of 'A' doubles. Van Aucken and McDowall lost 6-3 in their opening round, while Martinez and Amanda Skinner from Hastings combined and lost 6-1 in their opening round.

"It was an exciting day with a great semifinal run in the 'A' doubles for Swanson and Acena," Johnson said. "And for Pamela to join forces with a Hastings player for a fun-filled doubles match."