Kearney, Neb. – The 21st-ranked Nebraska-Kearney men's tennis team swept the Hastings College Broncos, 9-0, Wednesday evening in Hastings.

The Lopers toughest battle against the NAIA Broncos (5-13) came at No. 2 doubles where juniors Lucas Garces and Mohab El Zanaty (Egypt) managed a 9-7 win. In singles, sophomore Georges Waikm (Egypt) won 6-0, 6-0 in the fifth spot in the lineup with Garces (Spain) allowing just a point in winning at No. 6.

Both UNK squads host the Lindenwood Lions Friday in Grand Island. First serve is at 10:00 a.m.

Also on Wednesday, the first NCAA Region Rankings were released. These determine the NCAA Tournament field in May.

On the men's side, Kearney is third behind MIAA rivals NW Missouri State and Southwest Baptist. Those two are the only schools to beat the Lopers (15-2) this year. Four men's teams from the Central will reach the NCAA's with the MIAA Tournament winner receiving an automatic bid.

The Loper women (13-4) are ranked fourth behind Northeastern State, SBU and Augustana. UNK has lost to both NSU and SBU. Seven Central teams make the NCAA's this spring.