SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The fifth-seeded Northwest Missouri State University women's tennis team advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Div. II Central Regional with a 4-0 dual victory Monday over the fourth-seeded Southern Arkansas University Muleriders.
 
The Bearcats have moved on to the Central Regional final set for 11 a.m. Tuesday against the top-seeded Augustana University Vikings (17-3 overall). The winner of Tuesday's match will advance to the round of 16 slated for May 21-25 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
 
Northwest gained early control of the dual by capturing the doubles point. It is the 12th time in 13 matches that the Bearcats secured the doubles point. Northwest's No. 1 and No. 3 doubles teams gained wins to give Northwest a 1-0 lead.
 
The No. 1 pairing of Marielena Muench and Camilla Franzin gained a 6-4 win over SAU's Josie Holderbach and Ifigeneia Kafka. Muench and Franzin are 13-10 on the season.
 
Northwest's No. 3 doubles duo of Polina Gontaryk and Carolina Oliveira notched a 6-3 victory over SAU's Roksana Kokocha and Honoka Yoshimura.
 
The Bearcats kept the momentum rolling in singles play. Northwest won the opening set in five of the six matches. The bottom of the Bearcat order was able to work quickly to gain a trio of wins and end the match at 4-0.
 
Miru Nonaka put up the first singles win for the Bearcats at No. 5 singles. Nonaka fended off SAU's Kokocha in three sets by the count of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. It was Nonaka's 17th win of the season against only seven setbacks.
 
Franzin came through with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph at No. 6 singles over SAU's Yoshimura. Franzin tallied her 12th win of the year and improved to 8-3 at No. 6 singles this spring.
 
Oliveira was credited with the clinching point at No. 4 singles. The Bearcat senior volleyed past SAU's Kafka in straight sets – 6-4, 6-4. Oliveira is 8-3 at No. 4 singles this spring.
 
It was the first NCAA meeting between the Bearcats and Muleriders and seventh all-time encounter. Northwest holds a 4-3 lead in the all-time series.
 
Northwest is 15-8 overall and SAU finishes the season at 18-7 overall.
 
The Bearcats at 25-21 all-time in NCAA Tournament play. Northwest improved to 14-7 in NCAA regional first-round matches.
 
Record in the NCAA Tournament
Overall - 25-21
In regional first round - 14-7
In regional second round - 8-6
In national first round - 3-5
in national quarterfinals - 0-3