Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney tennis team started a busy stretch by splitting with Nebraska-Omaha Friday night  and then seeing the women sweep Missouri Western State Saturday.

The UNK men improved to 5-3 on the year after a 6-3 victory over the second-year Mavericks. The Loper women (3-4) fell to UNO, 6-3 and then had an easy time in St. Joseph, Mo., against the Golden Griffons.

A dual with Drury (Mo.) was canceled on Saturday due to weather and will not be made up.

In Omaha, the Loper men saw a familiar face in former UNK player Drew Mercier. While Mercier won at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles, the Lopers won the dual thanks a series of close victories.

At No. 5 singles, freshman Kyle Conzemius remained unbeaten with another super tie breaker win (4-6, 6-0, 10-6). Senior Aaron Angst did the same at the sixth spot (6-4, 2-6, 10-4).

Indonesian freshman Revel Yehezkia also had a battle with Eric McKnight in the second spot (6-3, 7-5). At No. 2 doubles, Conzemius and Yehezkia managed an 8-5 victory.

The UNK women, who beat UNO for the first-time ever last season, weren't as lucky.

The Mavs Kelsie Olson edged Mizuki Takahashi (7-5, 1-6, 10-5) at No. 3 singles after UNO won at No. 2 (8-6) and No. 3 (8-4) doubles by close margins.

Senior Katie-Mary Outhwaite did nip Sam Thomas at No. 2 singles (3-6, 6-4, 10-5). She and fellow senior Kristen Messbarger won another match at No. 1 doubles, 8-6.

Missouri Western provided little as the Lopers won didn't allow more then three points in any set.

This week, UNK will travel to Missouri and Illinois to face the likes of  NW Missouri State, Truman State, Missouri-St. Louis and new Division II members Maryville (Mo.) and Illinois-Springfield.