Kearney, Neb. – The nationally-ranked Columbus State Cougars swept a tennis dual from Nebraska-Kearney, 7-2 (men) and 8-1 (women), Sunday afternoon in Georgia.

The Cougar men (11-1) came in ranked sixth in Division II with the CSU women (10-1) eighth.

On the women's side, the Lopers (6-6) saw junior Emma Neil (Papillion) and Amanda Alvarez (Spain) fall by just a 9-8 score at number three doubles.  The Cougs allowed a total of five points in the other doubles matches.

Freshman Ana Royo (Spain) got UNK on the board with a straight sets (7-6, 6-3) win over regionally-ranked Kirsa Utech at number two doubles. Next, senior lefty Sthefani Rodriguez put up a fight at number six singles but fell 6-4, 7-5.  Finally, CSU took the other four singles matches in straight sets.

The 21st-ranked Loper men (6-5) scored at least four points in all three doubles matches but couldn't pull out a victory. Eventually up 6-0, CSU saw Maciej Kierkus outlasted Texas junior Aaron Reekie in three sets (1-6, 6-3, 6-3) at number six singles.

UNK closed out the day with wins by Egyptian senior Mohab El Zanaty (6-2, 3-6, 10-5) and Spanish sophomore Pepe Balado (7-5, 7-6). Balado's win from the second spot came over 47th-ranked Zach Whaanga while El Zanaty, at number three singles, bested regionally-ranked Paul Spregelmeijer.

Things remain tough as UNK is at another national power house, Valdosta State, on Monday.