Kearney, Neb. - Sophomore Nickola Messbarger recorded a close win at No. 5 singles to help the Nebraska-Kearney women's tennis team beat Mesa State, 5-3, Saturday afternoon in the RMAC Tournament finals in Albuquerque, N.M.

By beating the second-seeded Mavericks, UNK (16-5) wins its third straight tournament title. This is just the  third time a Loper women's team has won three straight RMAC Tournament titles, following softball (1995-98) and basketball (1998-01).

The top-seeded Lopers were pushed by a Mesa team that lost 7-2 to UNK during the regular season. The Mavs led 2-1 after doubles and trailed only by a 4-3 score heading into No. 5 and No. 6 singles.

Messbarger managed to secure the title with a 7-6 (-2), 5-7, 6-2 win over Amber Armendarez. In the sixth spot, sophomore Melissa Lyster was tied with Cyndie Curfman (7-6, 4-6, 5-5) when Messbarger won.

By winning today, UNK receives the RMAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Pairings for that event will come out next week with the Lopers likely hosting a regional May 7-8 at Harmon Park.

Last year, the Lopers upset Mesa in the 2nd round of the NCAA's to advance to the "Sweet 16" in Florida. There, Concordia of New York edged the blue and gold, 5-4.