Kearney, Neb. – Senior Britni Norfolk and junior Kari Emery won their singles matches to help Nebraska-Kearney rally past Emporia State, 5-4, in the MIAA Tournament third place dual Sunday in Springfield, Mo.

The Loper men (18-5) also placed third in the tourney but didn't have to play Sunday as Washburn withdrew.

Just two weeks ago, UNK (20-7) beat Emporia by a 9-0 score at Harmon Park. Things were a lot different this time as the Hornets (16-8) won at No. 1 and 3 doubles to take a 2-1 lead.

In the top two singles spots, Emporia claimed wins as well as Nicole Jara slipped past senior Vanessa Gunawan (Indonesia) by a 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) score and Tawni Griffey beat junior Kristin Weems (Arlington, Texas) by a 6-3, 6-1 count.

However, UNK won the other four singles matches to win the dual. In the fifth spot, Norfolk (Brashear, Mo.) improved to 20-4 by out lasting Somer Schmidt (6-2, 5-7, 7-5) with Emery (Tucscon, Ariz.) now 21-3 after a 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Amy Fugit.

Both Kearney teams should qualify for the NCAA Central Regionals; pairings will be announced early this week.