Lopareva-Bankston lose in semis

Mississippi Gulf Coast's Margarita Lopareva and Megan Bankston won another match at the NJCAA Division I Women's Tennis Championship on Tuesday, but their run in Tyler, Texas, ended later in the day.

"They caught on fire today and played really good doubles," Gulf Coast coach Gary Bourgeois said. "They both came out firing. They had a chance to win in the semifinals, but it came down to one ball that made a big difference. If the ball lands on their side instead of ours, it makes all the difference."

The No. 1 singles combo defeated Mesa's Sabrina Sanchez and Ana Villalvavzo 7-5 in the consolation bracket quarterfinals.

They would lose later in the semifinals 6-4 to Cowley's Georgina Kaindoah and Takalani Molaoa, the seventh seed in the draw.

Gulf Coast's season comes to an end, and there's a lot to be proud of for the shorthanded squad.

"With all the adversity they went through this year, I'm really proud of the way they came out and represented," Bourgeois said. "We got 1.5 points, so they were very competitive. They gave all they could give. The represented us well. Every time they were on the court, they played with professionalism and good sportsmanship. I'm proud of both of them."

NJCAA Division I Women's Tennis Championship

Tyler, Texas

Tuesday's results

Consolation bracket

No. 1 doubles quarterfinals: Margarita Lopareva-Megan Bankston (MGCCC) def. Sabrina Sanchez-Ana Villalvavzo (Mesa), 7-5

No. 1 doubles semifinals: (7) Georgina Kaindoah-Takalani Molaoa (Cowley) def. Margarita Lopareva-Megan Bankston (MGCCC), 6-4

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