The No. 47-ranked Northwest Missouri State University women's tennis team opened up its home schedule with a 6-1 victory over MIAA foe Arkansas-Fort Smith on the Grube Courts at Rosewell Tennis Complex.

The Bearcats improved to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in MIAA play. The Lions dropped to 2-10 overall and 0-1 in league action.

Northwest pulled out to a 1-0 lead by capturing victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

The Bearcats continued their winning ways in singles play by scoring wins in five of the six matches that were contested. No. 67-ranked Alva Norberg gained a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles. Norberg moved her season mark to 9-3 overall and 7-2 in dual play. She is 5-2 at No. 3 singles this spring.

Marielena Muench captured her fourth consecutive singles win with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over UAFS's Arianna De Bernardo at No. 1 singles.

Northwest will be in action on the road Saturday when they take on the Southwest Baptist Bearcats in Bolivar, Mo. beginning at 2 p.m.