Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney tennis teams both picked up key regional wins by defeating the Harding (Ark.) University Bison, 6-3 (men) and 8-1 (women), Saturday evening in Springfield, Mo.

Both Loper teams are ranked sixth in the Central region with both Harding teams ranked seventh. UNK remains unbeaten on the women's side (7-0) with the men improving to 5-1. Harding drops to 4-2 on both sides. 

In the men's dual, Minnesota senior Joey Richards and freshman Alberto Diaz were down 7-4 at number two doubles to the 21st-ranked pair of Carlos Crisostomo and Luis Tirado. UNK came back to win 9-8 (4) to make the team score 2-1.

Junior Pepe Balado (Spain) secured the dual by winning at number two singles, 7-6 (4), 6-4. Despite some cramping issues, he battled back from a 3-2 hole to win the second set. Finally, Texas senior Aaron Reekie won at number six singles thanks to taking his third set by a 10-5 score.

On the women's side, sophomore Ana Royo (Spain) won her third set at number one singles, 6-3, to score UNK's fifth team point. Earlier, she and freshman Zhanel Turarbek (Kazakhstan) won 8-6 at number one doubles. Turarbek also had a battle at number two singles but came out on top thanks to a 6-1 win in the third set.

UNK faces nationally-ranked Drury University on Sunday morning.