SPRINGFIELD, IL – The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) outlasted the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's tennis team in a 5-3 victory during Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) quarterfinal.
 
"The girls fought so hard," UIS coach Samantha Schall said. "It is disappointing that our season had to come to an end, but I am proud of what these girls have achieved this season."
 
The Tritons (13-4) are ranking No. 35 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NCAA Division II rankings.
 
Jane Carter/Ana Boza Martin (11-8) recorded an 8-5 win in No. 1 doubles against Marina Prediger/Leticia Lunge (8-9). Carter (17-6) then recorded another point for the Prairie Stars (12-8) by knocking off Salome Bleuler (20-7) in No. 1 singles in a 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Bleuler is ranked No. 67 in the latest national doubles rankings.
 
Kena Bere (14-10) picked up the third point with a 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) victory against Annie Hays (19-9) in No. 4 singles.
 
Kaitlyn Thornhill's match in No. 5 singles with Lunge remained unfinished. Lunge took the first set in a 6-3 decision and Thornhill was winning the second set 5-1 at the time of the match's conclusion.
 
UMSL scored two points in doubles. Blueler/Kristine Lindal (13-2) secured an 8-1 victory against Bere/Maegan Flight (0-1) in No. 2 doubles and Hays/Janet Auclair (12-2) recorded an 8-2 win against Thornhill/Kate Dumstorff (0-1) in No. 3 doubles.
 
The Tritons score three more points in singles. Prediger (19-7) posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory against Boza Martin (10-14) in No. 2 singles, Lindal (10-4) earned a 6-1, 6-2 win against Flight (15-7) in No. 3 singles and Auclair (13-4) captured a 6-4, 6-1 victory against Hannah Blythe (8-9) in No. 6 singles.
 
UIS finished a program-best third place in the GLVC East Division. The Prairie Stars also set a new program record in wins.
 
UIS graduates Carter. The senior from Auckland, New Zealand ranks first in UIS history in singles wins (64), doubles wins (67) and total wins (131).
 
The Prairie Stars return seven players for the 2018-19 season.
 
"This team has worked so hard this year all year and it is showing up on and off the court. The girls were ready for this match and even though we weren't able to win, we showed how competitive this program is and will continue to be for years to come."