Freshman Raquel Kessler goes for a kill against top-seeded Rockhurst University in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship match. Kessler had 13 kills in the hard-fought 3-2 loss.
Volleyball
No. 22 UMSL swept Bellarmine and knocked off No. 13 Lewis en route to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship match but were tripped up by top-seeded Rockhurst, losing 3-2 Sunday in East Peoria, Illinois. The championship appearance was a first for the Tritons, who opened the tournament as the No. 3 seed. Senior Kylie Rudsinski averaged 3.58 kills per set, while hitting at a.393 clip to lead the offense while sophomore Charlotte Richards followed with 3.25 kills and 3.00 digs per set. Sophomore Megan Woll, the GLVC Libero of the Year, averaged 6.25 digs per set. On Monday, UMSL (29-4) learned it secured the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Tournament. It will open against No. 6 seed Michigan Tech at a time to be determined on Thursday, Dec. 5. Lewis, the top seed in the Midwest, will serve as the tournament’s host. The Tritons will be making their fourth-ever NCAA appearance and first since 2010.
Men’s Basketball
The Tritons won both of their home games last week, defeating Illinois College (73-49) and Central Christian (83-51). Senior Jalen Wilkins-McCoy averaged 12.5 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, 2.5 steals and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 58.8 percent from the field. Junior Jose Grubbs (11.5 ppg) and redshirt senior Jason Towery (10.5 ppg) also averaged double figures. UMSL (4-1) will hold its Thanksgiving Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday, hosting Ohio Dominican and Lincoln, respectively. Games start at 1 p.m. both days.
Women’s Basketball
UMSL suffered a 58-34 loss at undefeated Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday while shooting a season-worst 23.6 percent. Redshirt senior Laura Szorenyi scored 12 points while junior Alex LaPorta pulled down 10 rebounds. UMSL (2-2) will host a Thanksgiving Classic on Friday and Saturday. The Tritons play at 3 p.m. each day with Newman, Lincoln and Maryville also in the field.
Men’s Swimming
The 22nd-ranked Tritons won six events in a dual against No. 9 Lindenwood last weekend, though the Lions finished on top with a final score of 192-128. Sophomore Aiden Clark won the 100-yard freestyle, sophomore Austin Stevenson won the 50-yard freestyle and Gabo Jimenez won the 100-yard butterfly, while UMSL also picked up victories in three relays. UMSL returns to the pool Dec. 18-21 at the Delta State Christmas Invite.
Women’s Swimming
Freshman Zara Konstapel won the 100-yard breaststroke to highlight action for the Tritons, who competed against No. 10 ranked Lindenwood in a dual over the weekend. UMSL returns to the pool Dec. 18-21 at the Delta State Christmas Invite.
