NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Alabama State University women's tennis team last stood atop the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) over a decade ago, last winning in 1999. But the long wait is now over as Mirna Curcic finished off a furious comeback for the Lady Hornets, as Alabama State defeated Jackson State 4-2 at the Pepsi Tennis Center Sunday morning.
 
Alabama State (13-8) capped off an undefeated run through the conference battling back from a 2-0 deficit after the first singles position was determined.
 
Jackson State claimed the doubles point after winning at number one and three to claim a 1-0 lead, and extended that lead when Dasha Butorina knocked off Alabama State's Marija Blazevic 6-3, 6-2 at number six.
 
However, the Lady Hornets battled back into the match and claimed wins at numbers two through five to claim their first title in 18 years, and their third team title overall.
 
Tournament Most Valuable Player, Marine Cartier, started the rally for the Lady Hornets by defeating Lucia Solis at the number two spot 6-1, 6-3 to trim the deficit to 2-1. The Lady Hornets tied the match at 2-all when Brankica Orlovic beat Jackson State's Oni Jones 6-2, 6-4 at number three, while Gabriela Lackova set the stage for the win with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Nina Zhang that gave Alabama State a 3-2 lead.
 
Curcic took center stage, although there was a match still going on at number one, and clinched the match for Alabama State with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Ariel Dickson.
 
Cartier was one of three Lady Hornets named to the All-Tournament Team, and was awarded the MVP after winning three matches in tournament play – singles and doubles. She was joined by Lackova and Curcic, who partnered to win at doubles, and both won in singles play.
 
Alabama State head coach Anuk Christiansz won the 2017 Women's Tennis Coach of the Year award after earning his second overall SWAC championship at the helm of the Hornets tennis programs (won the 2015 SWAC Men's Tennis Championship).
 
The championship is the seventh team title for Alabama State athletics this season.

Alabama State 4, Jackson State 2
 
Singles
Reka Szentes (ALST) vs. Tyler Smith (JKST) 6-0, 2-6, 4-0, unfinished
Marine Cartier (ALST) def. Lucia Solis (JKST) 6-1, 6-3
Brankica Orlovic (ALST) def. Oni Jones (JKST) 6-2, 6-4
Gabriela Lackova (ALST) def. Nina Zhang (JKST) 6-4, 6-2
Mirna Curcic (ALST) def. Ariel Dickson (JKST) 6-3, 7-5
Dasha Butorina (JKST) def. Marija Blazevic (ALST) 6-3, 6-2

Doubles
Oni Jones/Ariel Dickson (JKST) def. Brankica Orlovic/Marija Blazevic (ALST) 6-3
Tyler Smith/Lucia Solis (JKST) def. Reka Szentes/Marine Cartier (ALST) 6-2
Mirna Curcic/Gabriela Lackova (ALST) def. Nina Zhang/Dasha Butorina (JKST) 6-1
 
For more information on Alabama State University athletics, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateSports and like us on Facebook. For more information on Alabama State University women's tennis, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateTennis.