TULSA, Okla. -- The University of North Dakota men's tennis team recorded a pair of big wins on Thursday at the ITA Regionals from Tulsa, Okla. as the main draws got underway. 

Ange-Kevin Koua and Leandro Zgraggen each notched a singles victory over Power Four opponents in the first round of the main draw to advance to the second round beginning on Friday, while Jerall Yasin and two doubles pairings suffered defeats. 

"Both Kevin and Leandro had tremendous wins today," said UND head coach Tom Boysen. "To perform like they did in a big environment and against very good opponents says a lot about their inner-belief system. You don't beat opponents of this level unless you trust yourself in pressure situations and both Kevin and Leandro are willing to do that consistently in matches." 

Zgraggen had to rally from an opening set defeat against Joan Torres Espinosa of Nebraska, ranked 63rd in the nation, to advance with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 victory while Koua also had to bounce back from a 5-7 loss to Thomas Nicholas Gadecki of Oklahoma State to record a 6-4, 7-6 triumph over the final two stanzas to move on. 

"Both have worked extremely hard this fall and are great leaders by example for our other players," said Boysen. "These results are the product of many hours of preparations and sacrifice. Very excited to see Leandro beat the 63rd-ranked college player in the nation today!" 

Koua will take on Luis Felipe Miguel of Tulsa and Zgraggen battles Asahi Harazaki of Oklahoma tomorrow. 

For more information on North Dakota men's tennis, follow on social media @UNDmtennis or visit FightingHawks.com.