Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams both defeated the William Woods Owls, 6-1 (women) and 5-4 (men), Saturday evening in Fulton, Mo.

This dual was recently added to UNK's schedule. With the wins, the 29th-ranked Loper men improve to 8-8 while the regionally-ranked women are now 10-9.

WWU came in ranked sixth (women) and eighth (men) nationally in the NAIA. The Owl men fall to 7-5 with the women now 5-8.

On the women's side, UNK went 2-1 in doubles and won all four singles matches that finished. Senior Sthefani Rodriguez (Venezuela) and sophomore Sherry Sun (China) won 8-6 at number one doubles with Sun rallying for a win at number one singles (6-4, 0-6, 10-8).

Next, junior Amanda Alvarez (Spain), sophomore Camryn Parnell (Lee's Summit, Mo.) and freshman Ana Royo (Spain) won in straight sets. Royo's win at number two clinchéd the dual for the Lopers.

Things were much tighter on the men's side as UNK won at number doubles, 9-8 (4), but WWU did the same two spots lower in the order, 9-8 (3). Junior Joey Richards (Eden Prairie, Minn.) and sophomore Pepe Balado (Spain) won 8-6 at number two doubles to give UNK the lead.

WWU, however, grabbed a 4-2 cushion thanks to wins at number two, three and four singles. Two of the wins came in three sets.

The Lopers, using a different lineup due to playing four matches in four days, rallied behind Balado, sophomore Landon Warner (Lincoln Pius) and junior Aaron Reekie (Houston, Texas). Each won in straight sets with Reekie (No. 5) earning the clinching point thanks to a 7-5, 7-5 decision over David Barbieri.

Kearney heads to Lindenwood on Sunday morning.