The NJCAA National Championship got underway Monday at Collin College in Plano, Texas, as the Lancer men's tennis team opened competition in the Texas heat and sunshine.

With only one match on the schedule for the day, the Lancers' #3 doubles team of Pablo Galan and Nathan Popov settled in quickly against Mercer (New Jersey). Galan and Popov came out strong, taking the opening set 6-2. After dropping the first two games of the second set, the duo responded with three straight wins to regain momentum. The match stayed tight the rest of the way, but strong volley play helped the Lancers close out the second set 6-4 to secure the victory.

With the win, Galan and Popov advance to face the tournament's top-seeded doubles team from Wallace State (Alabama).

Competition continues Tuesday with singles play throughout the day followed by doubles action in the evening. The Lancers will face seeded opponents across the board but are eager for the opportunity and challenge on the national stage.