Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's tennis team has advanced to the MIAA Tournament semifinals after a 5-2 win over Emporia State Friday afternoon in Springfield, Mo.

The victory helps UNK set a new school record for dual wins (21) in a single season.

The fourth-seeded Lopers will face top-seed and 21st-ranked Northeastern State (17-4) Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in one semifinal match. Earlier this year at Harmon Park, the RiverHawks posted an 8-1 win over UNK.

During the regular season, Kearney (21-5) slipped past the Hornets (11-10) by a 5-4 score as they won in three sets at No. 3 and No. 6 singles.

UNK made sure things wouldn't be that close again as they won all three doubles matches today. The regionally-ranked duo of Sthefani Rodriguez (Venezuela) and Emily Fink (Elkhorn South H.S.) won 8-4 at No. 1 doubles, avenging a regular season setback to ESU.

Rodriguez recorded her 16th singles win, a 7-6, 6-1 decision, in the second spot in the lineup to record UNK's fourth team point. While ESU won at No. 1 and No. 3 singles, Fink ended the dual with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the fourth position. That also is her 16th singles win in duals this academic year.

Win or lose Saturday morning, UNK will play again Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in either the first or third place match. The other side of the bracket has second-seed Southwest Baptist facing third-seed NW Missouri State.