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BOCA RATON, Fla. – The No. 10 University of West Alabama women's tennis team was defeated in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships to No. 2 Nova Southeastern by a 4-0 score, Friday afternoon from the Perper Tennis Complex on the campus of Lynn University. 

West Alabama ends the 2024 season with a 15-10 overall record, while Nova Southeastern advances to Saturday's second round at 22-4. 

Doubles got out to a strong start for the Sharks, as Patricie Kubikova and Ita Habekovic won 6-2 at the No. 3 flight. 

No. 11 Hardija Vidnere and Shaira Rivera rallied from a 4-0 deficit and won the next three games, but No. 2 Natalie Espinal and Freya Davies responded with the final three wins for a 6-4 score at the top flight to secure the doubles point. 

Nova Southeastern made it a 3-0 lead after straight-set victories by No. 66 Freya Davies at the No. 3 line and No. 2 Natalie Espinal at the No. 1. 

Lian Benedejcic clinched the match for the Sharks with a 6-3, 6-4 victory at the No. 4.

Before the clinch, the Tigers had opportunities to get on the board. Rivera, Emiri Takanishi and Vidnere all secured a set victory.

With the 2024 season at the close, the Tigers had a stellar season, winning a fifth straight regular season championship in the Gulf South Conference. Additionally, UWA finished third in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Indoor Championship.

Individually, West Alabama saw three student-athletes named to the All-GSC Team, Khim Iglupas, Shaira Rivera and Heden Ly. Iglupas was honored as the league's Player of the Year, and Jeff Beaman won his fifth straight Coach of the Year honor.