The Northwest Missouri State men’s tennis team needed a late surge to earn a 6-1 win over Nebraska-Kearney and advance to Sunday’s MIAA Championship match at Cooper Tennis Complex.

The Bearcats picked up early wins at No. 2 doubles from Alvaro Riveros and Guilherme Narducci. After the Lopers stole a point at No. 1 doubles the Bearcats rebounded to dominate singles action.

Sergio De Vilchez cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles while Rafael Bugiga earned a 6-2, 6-0 win at the No. 2 position.

Riveros and Jason Harris finished off the Lopers with wins at No. 4 and No. 6 singles to propel the Bearcats into Sunday’s championship match.

Northwest will meet up with Southwest Baptist in the MIAA Championship match for the third consecutive season. Northwest took the regular season meeting from SBU 5-3 as the two teams will meet at 9 a.m. for the 2013 MAIA Championship.

— Northwest Media Relations —