SURPRISE, Ariz.--The UH HIlo women's tennis team will open up the Pacific West Conference Championships on Wednesday against a team that they don't know much about. 

The Vulcans will square off against Metro State-Denver in a round one match at 9 am PT on Wednesday (April 21) at the Surprise Tennis Center. The Vulcans come in as the No. 8 seed and Metro State is No. 9. A win for either squad moves them to Thursday's quarterfinals. A loss drops that team into the consolation bracket.

UH HIlo will bring a 7-5 overall record into the match. The Roadrunners are 10-9. The only common opponent is Dominican, whom the Vulcans defeated 5-1 and Metro State defeated 7-0. MSU-Denver and Colorado Mesa are a part of the PacWest tournament for the first time. There are 12 total teams in the women's tournament.

The Vulcans have a signature win over nationally ranked Hawaii Pacific (they also lost to the Sharks twice). Senior Carmelle Joyner has UHH's best singles record (7-3) playing on courts two through four. Hannah Highsmith is 5-3 on courts 2-5, and teams with Carolina Alfonsin at No. 1 doubles where they are 6-5. Sandra Dafincescu and Hikari Osaki at 5-5 at No. 2 doubles. 

Azusa Pacific is the No. 1 seed after finishing their season unbeaten. If the Vulcans defeat Metro State-Denver, they will face the Cougars.

The seeding looks like this. The top four seeds receive a first round bye and don't play until Thursday. All matches for the tournament are played at 9 am.

1. Azusa Pacific
2. Concordia
3. Hawaii Pacific
4. Biola
5. Point Loma
6. Fresno Pacific
7. Academy of Art
8. UH Hilo
9. Metro State-Denver
10. Colorado Mesa
11. Dominican
12. Chaminade