HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The University of West Alabama women's tennis team opened it regular season by splitting a pair of matches against NCAA Division I opponents Saturday the University of Southern Mississippi Tennis Courts.
 
The Tigers defeated Alabama State, 4-3, with Julie Gonzalez-Rodriguez deciding the outcome with a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (3) victory at singles No. 3. Southern Miss defeated UWA, 6-0, to close the day.
 
The Tigers won the doubles point with Katia De La Garza and Georgina Salom winning 6-4 at No. 1, while Evelyn Moreno and Gonzalez-Rodriguez took No. 3, 6-1. Liliana Araucz and Imperia Martinez Mora were up 6-5 at No. 2, but the match was unfinished due to the Tigers taking the doubles point.
 
Rounding out Tiger winners in singles against Alabama State were De La Garza at No. 1 and Mora at No. 6.
 
Due to impending inclement weather conditions, the singles matches against Southern Miss were played first, with the Golden Eagles winning all six, five in straight sets.
 
The Tigers play next on Feb. 14 at Tuskegee.