USI entered the day in the winner’s bracket and the Lakers (44-9) needed to beat the Screaming Eagles twice to dethrone the reigning champs.

No. 9 GVSU won the first game 5-3, but the Screagles rebounded in the second game for a 2-1 win.

Caitlyn Bradley’s RBI double in the third inning made it 2-0 and senior Haylee Smith held things down in the circle, allowing only one run.

However, the Screaming Eagles defense played a big role as well with nine hits, three walks, and two errors only resulting in one run coming across to score.

Next up for USI is the Midwest Super Regional against No. 19 the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The Screaming Eagles three-game series against conference foe UIS starts Thursday.

First pitch from Springfield, Ill. is at 1:30 p.m.

Last year, the Screaming Eagles hosted the Midwest Super Regional and defeated Wayne State 2-0 in a three-game series to advance to the Division II championships in Salem, Va.