KEARNEY, Nebraska - The Northwest Missouri State University women's tennis team slipped past the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers Wednesday, 4-3.

The Bearcats ran their winning streak to three in a row and improved to 9-4 overall and 4-1 in MIAA play. It was also Northwest's seventh dual win in eight tries.

Northwest had to overcome losing the doubles point, but did so by triumphing in four of the six singles contests.

Only Northwest's No. 1 doubles pairing of Vera Alenicheva and Julia Aliseda scored a win. The Alenicheva/Aliseda duo posted a 6-1 win over UNK's Melisa Becerra and Claire Neil. It was the seventh consecutive victory for Alenicheva and Aliseda in doubles.

Alenicheva and Aliseda kept up with their winning way in singles to help the Bearcats to the dual victory. Northwest's Sofia Pignataro and Victoria Caster also tallied singles wins.

Alenicheva had to go the distance at No. 1 singles against UNK's Becerra. Alenicheva dropped the opening set tiebreaker and had to rally to win the second set tiebreaker. Alenicheva was able to score a 6-2 win in the third set. Alenicheva is 10-1 in singles action this spring.

At No. 2 singles, Aliseda dispatched UNK's Mia Sherikulova in straight sets - 6-4, 6-1. Aliseda moved her spring mark to 10-2 in singles play.

Pignataro took a three-set win from Neil by the count of 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, at No. 5 singles.

Caster scored a 6-2, 6-2 victory over UNK's Pranathi Gannararam at No. 6 singles. Caster remained perfect at No. 6 singles as she moved her record to 7-0.

Northwest will next encounter Fort Hays State Saturday at 2 p.m. in Hays, Kansas.