GRANDVILLE, MICH. – For the first time in program history, the University of Missouri-St. Louis women's team has advanced to the NCAA DII Championships.
 
The Tritons move on to the Round of 16 with a 5-4 win at No. 24 ranked Grand Valley State in second round action of the Midwest Regional Tournament on Sunday.
 
UMSL, seeded third and ranked No. 26 nationally, improve to 16-5 overall, while the second-seeded Lakers end their season with a 23-4 record.
 
The Tritons took a 2-1 lead after doubles and wins at Nos. 6, 4 and 5 singles by Grand Valley State gave the Lakers a 4-2 lead.
 
Graduate student Kristine Lindal got UMSL within 4-3 with a three-set victory at No. 3 singles, while junior Salome Bleuler evened the score with a three-set win at No. 1. Sophomore Marina Prediger then sealed the match with a three-set win at No. 2.
 
The NCAA DII Championships will be held May 8-11 in Surprise, Ariz.
 
UMSL 5, Grand Valley State 4
Doubles Scores
1. Leticia Lunge/ Marina Prediger (UMSL) def. Allie Sweeney/ Aimee Moccia (GVSU) 8-6
2. Madi Ballard/ Nikki Heiniger (GVSU) def. Kristine Lindal/ Salome Bleuler (UMSL) 8-6
3. Annie Hays/ Janet Auclair (UMSL) def. Abby Perkins/ Liv Christman (GVSU) 8-6
Order finish – 2,3,1
 
Singles Scores 
1. Salome Bleuler def. (UMSL) def. Madi Ballard (GVSU) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (3)
2. Marina Prediger (UMSL) def. Allie Sweeney (GVSU) 7-5, 2-6, 6-4
3. Kristine Lindal (UMSL) def. Aimee Moccia (GVSU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
4. Abby Perkins (GVSU) def. Annie Hays (UMSL) 6-1, 6-2
5. Liv Hanover (GVSU) def. Leticia Lunge (UMSL) 6-4, 6-0
6. Liv Christman (GVSU) def. Janet Auclair (UMSL) 6-2, 6-0
 Order finish – 6,4,5,3,1,2