Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams enhanced their NCAA Tournament hopes by both sweeping Washburn by 7-2 scores Friday evening in Harmon Park.

On the men's side, the Lopers (15-4, 2-2) came in ranked seventh in the tough Central Region with the Ichabods (5-10, 1-3) second as well as 39th nationally.

The No. 2 doubles team of Mohab El Zanaty (Egypt) and Lucas Garces (Spain) managed a 9-7 win to help UNK grab a 2-1 lead. While senior Yeswanth Nadella (India) lost in three sets to another regionally-ranked player, the Lopers took the other five singles matches (No. 2-6).

In the second spot, Brazilian freshman Neto Cacace got past regionally-ranked Bobby Florence by a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 score with English junior Jack Nicholson besting Steven Fletcher 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) four spots lower in the lineup.

Ranked eighth in the region, the Kearney women (15-6, 5-3) had a bit easier time with a Washburn club that is now 4-12 (1-6). UNK's No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams each won by 8-1 scores with the Lopers taking five singles matches (No. 2-6) in straight sets.

Emporia State visits Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The Fort Hays State women then visit Monday at 3:30 to close out the regular season.