For the first time in program history, the University of Missouri–St. Louis softball team sits atop the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Poll.

The move to the top spot in the poll comes after an undefeated run to their third straight Great Lakes Valley Conference title. UMSL entered the league tournament as the top seed and posted three shutouts in its four-game run to the championship. Gathering 12 first-place votes and 395 points in this week’s poll, the UMSL Tritons triumphed over Rockhurst (9-0), Truman State (6-4), Lewis (3-0) and No. 10 Indianapolis (4-0 in 8 inn.) in the title game. The shutout against Rockhurst was highlighted by junior Hannah Perryman‘s second perfect game of the week, sixth of the season and seventh of her career, matching Texas All-American Cat Osterman for the most in NCAA history. UMSL improved its ledger to 44-6 overall.

Valdosta State, which received two first-place votes, slipped to No. 2 after bowing out of the Gulf South Tournament in two games. Hosting the tournament, the Blazers (46-7) were defeated by eventual champion Shorter (3-5) and then No. 11 Alabama-Huntsville (3-6).

UMSL is one of three GLVC teams in the NFCA Poll with Indianapolis remaining at No. 10 and Southern Indiana dropping four spots to No. 17.

The Tritons will host the NCAA Midwest Regional this weekend as the top seed and will face No. 8 seed Wayne State (Mich.) in opening round play on Friday at 2:30 p.m. The other first round game features No. 4 seed Grand Valley State vs. No. 5 seed Southern Indiana.