Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams finished second (women) and third (men) this weekend at the RMAC Championships in Denver, Colo. 

Hosted by Metro State at the Gates Tennis Center, the top-seeded Loper women (15-7) fell 5-1 to No. 2 Mesa State Saturday morning in the finals. The 2011 regular season champs, UNK was going for an unprecedented fourth straight tourney title.

After receiving a first round bye, the Loper women beat Western New Mexico, 5-0, Friday afternoon to reach the finals.

On the men's side, the second-seeded Lopers (16-7) lost to third-seed Montana State-Billings, 5-3, in a semifinal match Friday night. UNK, which blanked Colorado Christian in the first round, bounced back to shut out rival Metro State Saturday afternoon.

During the regular season, the women edged Mesa by a 5-4 score. In the finals today, the Mavericks grabbed a 2-1 lead thanks to an 8-6 win at No. 1 doubles and a 9-8 victory at No. 2 doubles.

Mesa closed out the Lopers with straight set wins between No. 2-4 singles.

The Loper men won at Billings, 5-4, in a tightly contested match just a few weeks ago. This time around, the Yellowjackets picked up key wins at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles to lead 2-1.

Junior Josh Raymond (Elkhorn) avenged a three-set loss to Navin Marimuthu (6-3, 6-2) at No. 1 singles but Delbert Landichio did the same in the fourth spot, getting past sophomore John Steinke (3-6, 7-6, 6-4). MSUB also won at No. 2 and No. 3 singles to secure the win.

Prior to the NCAA Tournament (May 1-3), UNK will host Hastings Wednesday and then travel to Seward to face Concordia Thursday afternoon.