Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's tennis team won four close matches to beat Missouri Western State, 7-2, Thursday afternoon in St. Joseph.

Now ranked fifth in the Central Region, UNK (11-2, 2-1) led 2-1 after doubles thanks to a 9-8 (7-1) victory by junior Paula Jimenez (Spain) and senior Kristin Weems (Arlington, Texas) in the second spot.

Jimenez secured the dual win after taking the third set of her No. 3 singles matches against Kayla Dystat (7-5, 6-7, 6-2). Sophomore southpaw Sthefani Rodriguez (6-3, 4-6, 7-5) and senior Kari Emery (5-7, 6-3, 10-5) also won third set tie breakers.

Both UNK squads face Lindenwood on Friday before heading South to take on Delta State and Mississippi College as part of a Spring Break trip.