Delta State University

Montgomery, Ala.-The Delta State University women’s tennis team earned an opening round 5-1 win over West Alabama, but fell in the semifinals to West Florida in the Gulf South Conference Tournament on Friday.

The Lady Statesmen started out the day in winning fashion, defeating West Alabama 5-1 in the tournament quarterfinals. Mariana Freitas and Victoria Jones of West Alabama defeated Cecile Benzaki and Tatiana Bouchaud 9-7, in what proved to be the most exciting match between the two teams.

DSU would bounce back, and win the next five matches to claim the win. Krystle Ozols and Lisa Jamais earned an 8-3 victory in doubles competition, and 2008 All GSC members Katherina Nett and Milena Araujo picked up an 8-2 victory in doubles competition as well. Ozols defeated UWA’s Brittany Williams 6-0, 6-1 in singles play to close out the match.

After falling 5-4 in a close match to West Florida on March 29, the Lady Statesmen would not be as fortunate in the semifinal round, as they were blanked by the Lady Argonauts 5-0.

The best chance for the Lady Statesmen came in the second match of doubles play, as the team of Ozols and Jamais fell 8-6 to Renata Mattos and Caitlyn Baines of UWF. Benzaki and Bouchaud were blanked in the opening doubles match 8-0, and in the third doubles match, Nett and Araujo were downed 8-2. Nett and Bouchaud each fell 6-1, 6-3 respectively in singles competition to close out the match and give UWF the win. West Florida advanced to the finals to take on Valdosta State.

The Lady Statesmen will now wait for the regional committee for the announcement of the NCAA Tournament field.