Kearney, Neb. – The 12th-ranked Northwest Missouri State men's tennis team won four singles matches to beat 20th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney, 5-2, in the MIAA Tournament semifinals Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Mo.

The tournament was once again moved indoors due to inclement weather.

UNK (19-3) came in hoping to avenge a 6-3 home setback to the Bearcats (18-3). Things got off on the right foot as the Lopers won at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to take a 2-1 match lead.

Back on April 3rd, the 'Cats led 2-1 after doubles. This time sophomores Joey Richards (Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Aaron Reekie (Houston, Texas) beat Josef Altmann and Mauro Tete by an 8-6 score in the third spot in the lineup to give UNK the lead going into singles.

The lead could've been more but the 16th-ranked pair of Alvaro Riveros and Sergi Fontucberta managed a slim 9-8 victory at No. 1 doubles over junior Justin Nguyen (Louisville, Colo.) and sophomore Georges Wakim (Egypt).

Northwest advanced to Sunday's title match against 18th-ranked Southwest Baptist as they won in straight sets between No. 1 and No. 4 singles. Three Lopers -- junior Mohab El Zanaty (Egypt), Nguyen and Richards – each lost their second sets by 6-4 scores.

Finally, the number five and six singles matches went unfinished.

UNK should make the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year with the Central Region likely hosted by Northwest. The men's selection show is available at www.ncaa.com on Tuesday (May 3rd) at 7:00 p.m. Central.