Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams dominated the competition this past weekend as both teams went 4-0 in Pueblo, Colo.

The Loper women beat Texas-Permian Basin (9-0), CSU-Pueblo (7-2), Colorado Christian (9-0) and Colorado Mesa (7-2). On the men's side, UNK swept Metro State, CCU and Pueblo while beating Colorado Mesa, 8-1.

These were the first duals of the 2014-15 season.

The UNK men were a combined 23-1 in singles and 12-0 in doubles. The women also were unbeaten in doubles while posting a 20-4 singles record.

Minnesota freshman Joey Richards, playing in the No.1 singles and No. 1 doubles spots, pulled off two upsets. In the win over Mesa on Saturday, he beat 34th-ranked Jordan Lyden (6-1, 5-7, 10-6). A day earlier, he got by 49th-ranked Josh Graetz of Metro (4-6, 6-4, 10-3).

Richards and sophomore Lucas Garces (Spain) also beat Graetz and Nick Baker, 8-6. The pair didn't allow more than four points in any other match.

The men's win over Mesa was a battle as Mohab El Zanaty (Egypt) and freshman Aaron Reekie (Sugar Land, Texas) also won their singles matches in three sets. Finally, Reekie and senior Jack Nicholson (England) won 9-8 at No. 3 doubles.

UNK heads to Springfield, Mo., this weekend for the ITA/Central Regionals. The singles and doubles winners advance to the ITA National Small College Championships.