SALINA, Kan. – The College of Saint Mary tennis team sent two representatives to compete in the ITA Central West Regional Sunday and Monday.

Renee Acena and Carolyna Truong both played in the regional event for the Flames.

Acena won her opening round match against Alexis Kersten from Southwestern College 6-0, 6-1. Then she defeated Alexandra Persson from Ottawa University 6-2, 1-2 (retired) in the second round Sunday. On the second day Acena knocked off Jil Hellerforth from Morningside University 6-1, 6-2 before losing to Ottawa's Priyanshi Sharma 6-7 (4), 6-2, 10-7.

Truong lost her opening round 6-0, 6-0 to Doane's Maria Purizaca Soto and then was defeated 8-0 in the consolations by Ottawa's Alejandra Parra Herrera.

In doubles play, the duo won eight straight games in a row after being down 3-0 to defeat Kyla Metro and Abby Veile from Bethany College and then was knocked out by Hanna Lindeboom and Marta Calvo Larazz from William Woods 8-4.

CSM Assistant Coach Rachel Southard said she was impressed with both ladies throughout the tournament.

"I was impressed with both of them in the first-round matches," Southard said. "Although Lyna did not win her match, she showed great spirit and was really hitting through the ball. Renee went deep into the tournaments before losing in the quarterfinals. And both ladies showed great grit when they battled from three games down in doubles to win 8-3.

"It was a fun weekend and the ladies travel back home knowing they competed with the toughest players in our NAIA division."