The Northwest Missouri State men’s tennis team battled for a 5-2 victory Wednesday night over MIAA rival Washburn.

The Bearcats improved to 14-3 on the season and 2-0 in league play. The loss for the Ichabods was the first in conference play while Washburn fell to 8-6 overall.

Northwest jumped out to a 2-1 lead with wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. Sergio De Vilchez and Lluis Altimires fought for their 12th victory and sixth straight at the No. 1 position.

De Vilchez also won his third straight at No. 1 singles earning a 6-2, 6-7, 6-1 win over Arek Kozaczuk.

Rafael Bugiga and Guilherme Narducci both picked up their sixth straight win. Bugiga picked up a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles while Narducci cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 5 singles.

The Bearcats continue MIAA play as they host Emporia State Saturday for Senior Day followed by a Sunday match with rival Southwest Baptist. Action against the Hornets is set for a 1 p.m. start at Frank Grube Courts.

— NWMSU Sports Information —