Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams were a combined 2-3 at the MIAA Tournament this past weekend in Springfield, Mo.

Over three days, the UNK men (17-10) went 1-2, beating Truman State and falling to NW Missouri State and Washburn. The Loper women (19-7) defeated Fort Hays State and fell to Northwest.

On Friday, fourth-seeded NW Missouri State handed the fifth-seeded women a 5-2 loss. The Bearcats led 2-1 after doubles with the pair of Kelly Messbarger (Kearney Catholic) and Tealyn Trimble (Kearney H.S.) managing a 9-8 (7-3) win in the third spot.

Texas sophomore Kristin Weems won in straight sets at No. 2 singles but Northwest did the same in the third, fourth and sixth spots to secure a spot in the second round.

In a consolation match, UNK easily bested Fort Hays State, 5-2.

Facing the Tigers for the first time this year, the Lopers led 2-1 after doubles and then got straight set victories by Trimble and juniors Vanessa Gunawan (Indonesia) and Heather Connolly (Highland Village, Texas) to end the trip on a good note.

The fourth-seeded Loper men shut out Truman, 5-0, as Kearney took all three doubles matches by at least three points and then got wins by senior Arin Enge (Olathe, Kans.) and sophomore Jack Nicholson (England).

Top-seed Northwest proved to be too much on Saturday as the 'Cats took two of the doubles matches, including a 9-8 (8-6) decision in the third spot, and then won all four of the singles matches that were finished.

Finally, Washburn, the tourney's second-seed, beat the Lopers by a 5-2 count on Sunday. UNK led 2-1 after doubles but the Ichabods didn't drop a set in singles to secure a win.
 
The NCAA Tournament field is announced Tuesday afternoon with both Lopers teams on the bubble.