SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – No. 45 Griffon Tennis, the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Central Regional, advanced to the regional final on Friday with a 4-2 victory over No. 41 and No. 4 seed Northwest Missouri State at Huether Tennis Centre.
The Griffons improved to 18-5 overall and avenged a regular season loss to the Bearcats earlier this season with the NCAA Tournament opening-round win.
MoWest secured the doubles point to begin the match after victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Jevrosima Mitic and Claudia Pastor rolled to a 6-1 win at No. 2 doubles, while Mila Larrieu and Alejandra Ramirez Botella earned a 6-4 victory at No. 3 doubles to give the Griffons the early 1-0 advantage.
The Griffons continued the momentum into singles play as Claudia Pastor picked up a straight-set 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 4 singles to extend the lead to 2-0.
Northwest Missouri State answered with wins at No. 6 and No. 5 singles to even the match at 2-2, but the Griffons responded behind strong performances from their veteran lineup.
Johanna Priedite delivered a key victory at No. 1 singles, defeating Miru Nonaka 7-5, 6-3 to put MoWest back in front.
Jevrosima Mitic then clinched the match for the Griffons at No. 3 singles, battling back after dropping the opening set to earn a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory and send MoWest into the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
Cristina Granero Boj's match at No. 2 singles went unfinished after the Griffons secured the fourth team point.
What's Next:
MoWest advances to face No. 1 seed Augustana on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The winner will earn a spot in the NCAA Division II National Tournament Round of 16.
