Women’s Tennis Secures First Ever GSC Title
The team will advance to regionals after taking the conference title in Alabama.
After a long three-day tournament in Montgomery, Ala., the Mississippi College women’s tennis team brought home their first ever GSC title last weekend.
The Choctaws went into the tournament as the second seed after losing the regular season championship match to West Alabama a week prior.
The team drew a tough first round against the seventh seed Valdosta State — a team they had only beaten 4-3 in the regular season. However, after a decisive doubles point from lines two and three, the team was off to a good start. With wins from Alizee Ripolles, Julissa De Mata and Katharina Weber, the team advanced to the semifinals 4-0.
“I stayed focused on my goal, trusting in God, and believing in my ability to win the match,” De Mata said. “I was so happy to earn a point for my team and contribute on our journey to the next round.”
MC drew #6 Montevallo in the semifinals after a thrilling upset in the first round of the Montevallo vs. Lee match. MC once again took the doubles point with wins on the #1 and #3 court. Emma Roberts, line one, and De Mata, line three, put the Choctaws at an early 3-0 lead. However, with third sets in all four other singles matches, the match was tight.
Freshman team member Weber finished first, advancing the Choctaws to the finals with a score of 4-0.
“I’m really proud that I could clinch the first two matches, but even more proud of the whole team and everything we achieved together,” Weber said. “Everyone fought so hard, and I’m just grateful to be part of this team.”
MC once again faced off against West Alabama in the finals. After dropping the doubles point in close losses on courts two and three, the match was set to be a close one. The Choctaws took an early deficit losing court two 6-3, 6-3 to West Alabama’s Freshman of the Year, Alexa Milliam.
However, the Choctaws battled back with wins from De Mata and Weber to bring the team to 2-2.
Anna Hudson got the next court for the Choctaws with a score of 6-4, 6-3. Seniors Roberts and Ripolles were left on court. Ripolles saved multiple match points in the second set to go into a third set. As Ripolles played out her third set going down 2-5, Roberts was close in the second. After a long tiebreaker — including a five minute medical time out — Roberts clinched the match at 7-5, 7-6 (5). Ripolles did not finish, making the overall score 4-2.
“Playing next to these girls in the conference final was a dream come true,” Roberts said. “There is nothing quite like the feeling of hearing one of them yell that they won their match or hearing someone cheer for you from five courts away when you know they are tired. I am beyond grateful for this team and know I will remember the last moments of that match forever.”
The team will advance to regionals on May 10-11. Draws and locations have not been announced.
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