TORINO, Italy – Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) has qualified for the gold-medal match at 72 kg/158.5 lbs at the 2010 FISU University World Championships, held at the Pala Ruffini arena on Thursday.

Bernard will face Japan’s Hiroe Suzuki in the finals. Bernard, who placed fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games, has won two Junior World gold medals during her career.

Bernard scored victories over Natalia Kuksina of Russia in the quarterfinals and Kitti Godo of Hungary in the semifinals.

Qualifying for a bronze-medal match at 55 kg/121 lbs. was Trinity Plessinger (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), who will face Isabelle Ladeveze of France in the medal round.

Plessinger was defeated in the semifinals by Iryna Khariv of Ukraine. She scored a clutch quarterfinal victory over Arai Chiaki of Japan. 

Two U.S. women wrestlers were defeated and eliminated from medal contention: Ashley Hudson (Wildwood, Mo./Gator WC/OCU) at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Amberle Montgomery (Kent, Wash./Gator WC/OCU) at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.

A complete update will be posted when available after the medal rounds are held in Italy.