KEARNEY, Neb. -  Northeastern State opened MIAA play with a 5-4 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday afternoon with Caitlin McCullough clinching a three set victory for the match over the Lopers.

The win for the RiverHawks pushed their MIAA regular season win streak to 30 in a row.

Betka Gombarova and Karla Tomaic were a key pairing in doubles after rallying back from a 5-2 hole on the Lopers; the duo later won 8-6 to give NSU a 2-1 edge into singles play.  On court one, Val Efimenko and Molly Worden also won 8-3 for their eighth doubles win of the spring.

In singles, Worden quickly left with a two-set sweep in the top-slot.  Later, Efimenko gave NSU their fourth point but it would be McCullough on court-three who rallied back from a set-two 6-3 loss and won 6-1 in set-three with the match win on the line.

Thursday's loss sends the Lopers to 4-4 and 0-1 in league play.

Northeastern State (6-5, 1-0 MIAA) will continue MIAA action on Friday with a visit to Fort Hays State.

Singles competition
1. #35 Molly Worden (NSU) def. Sun,Sherry (UNK) 6-0, 6-0
2. Val Efimenko (NSU) def. Royo,Ana (UNK) 6-2, 7-6 (9-7)
3. Caitlin McCullough (NSU) def. Alvarez,Amanda (UNK) 6-1, 3-6, 6-1
4. Neil,Emma (UNK) def. Easton Parker (NSU) 6-2, 6-2
5. Rodriguez,Sthefani (UNK) def. Karla Tomaic (NSU) 6-2, 7-6 (7-5)
6. Parnell,Camryn (UNK) def. Betka Gombarova (NSU) 6-0, 6-1
 
Doubles competition
1. #4 Val Efimenko/Molly Worden (NSU) def. Parnell,Camryn/Royo,Ana (UNK) 8-3
2. Rodriguez,Sthefani/Sun,Sherry (UNK) def. Caitlin McCullough/Easton Parker (NSU) 8-3
3. Betka Gombarova/Karla Tomaic (NSU) def. Alvarez,Amanda/Neil,Emma (UNK) 8-6