MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Mississippi College women's tennis made history on Saturday at Lagoon Park, defeating top-seeded West Alabama, 4-2, to win its first-ever Gulf South Conference Tournament championship.

The second-seeded Choctaws (20-6) overcame an early deficit after West Alabama claimed the doubles point with wins on courts two and three. The match at No. 1 doubles was left unfinished at 6-6.

In singles play, West Alabama extended its lead with a win at No. 2 singles, but Mississippi College answered with four straight victories. Jules De Mata posted a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 3, followed by Katharina Weber's 6-4, 6-1 win at No. 4. Anna Hudson secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory at No. 5 to give the Choctaws the lead. Senior Emma Roberts then clinched the title, outlasting her opponent 7-5, 7-6 on court one.

Mississippi College became the first No. 2 seed to win the GSC Women's Tennis Championship since West Florida accomplished the feat in 2019.

With the victory, the Choctaws also secured the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Mississippi College defeated Valdosta State, Montevallo, and West Alabama on its path to the championship.

The Choctaws will await their NCAA South Region destination when the NCAA Selection Show airs on Monday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. CT.