Kearney, Neb. – The Augustana College Vikings eliminated the Nebraska-Kearney women's tennis team from the NCAA Tournament, 5-2, Sunday afternoon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The top-seeded Vikings (21-2) advance to the “Sweet 16” next week in Florida. The Lopers, the fourth seed in the Central Region, sees its season end at 17-8. Due to high winds, the match was played indoors.

This dual win was a matter of revenge for Augie, who lost 5-1 to the Lopers last year in Kearney. The win helped UNK advance to the Sweet 16 for a second straight season.

UNK found themselves down 2-1 after the tandem of Michelle Wadas and Hannah Gebauer won 9-8 at No. 2 doubles. The Vikings began the dual with an 8-5 win at No. 3 3 doubles. The Lopers top three doubles teams entered the tournament with a combined 49-15 record.

After Kathnrynn Jesperson won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 singles, freshman Vanessa Gunawan (Indonesia) made it a 3-2 score with a 6-0, 6-4 at No. 1 singles.

However, Wadas and Geubauer helped Augie close out the dual as each won their singles match. Geubaer beat junior Nickola Messbarger (Kearney Catholic) 7-5, 6-0 and Wadas defeated freshman Britni Norfolk (Brashear, Mo.) 6-4, 6-3.

The Lopers will be very strong again next season as its lineup consisted of six true freshmen and two juniors this spring.