Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams finished second (men) and fourth (women) at the 2015 MIAA Tournament Sunday in Springfield, Mo.
 
The 28th-ranked Loper men (20-4) fell 5-0 to 19th-ranked NW Missouri State while the UNK women (21-7) lost 5-3 to the Bearcats.
 
On the men's side, Kearney and Northwest (18-6) may meet next week in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In the latest NCAA Region Rankings, the 'Cats were second and the Lopers third. Only three Central teams make the NCAA's this year with the second seed hosting the third. 
 
Falling at Northwest 6-3 on April 17th, the Lopers fell behind 3-0 after doubles today. It easily could've been a 2-1 UNK lead but Northwest won 9-8 at both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.
 
The 'Cats wrapped up the dual win with straight set victories at No. 5 and No. 6 singles.
 
The UNK women, ranked fifth in the Central, grabbed a 2-1 lead after their doubles matches. Northwest (19-7) came in ranked third in the region. This year, seven teams make the NCAA from the Central.
 
Junior Paula Jimenez (Spain) and senior Kristin Weems (Arlington, Texas) won 8-4 in the second spot with senior Kari Emery (Tucson, Ariz.) and freshman Emma Neil (Papillion-LaVista H.S.) winning 8-3 at No. 3 doubles.
 
While Emery rolled at No. 6 singles (6-1, 6-1), the 'Cats won four other match ups to wrap up the dual. Sophomore Emily Fink (Elkhorn South H.S.) did fall in three sets at No. 4 singles (6-4, 4-6, 6-3).
 
The NCAA pairings come out later this week.