MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Valdosta State women’s tennis team saw a 4-1 lead slip away down the stretch, as the West Florida Argonauts came from behind to win the Gulf South Conference Championship, 5-4, in Montgomery, Ala.

Anja Cosovic and Daniella Barta teamed up at No. 2 doubles to score a dominant 8-2 win over  Jordana Lujon and Heather Mixon, and Laura Ubeda joined Estes Widdershoven at No. 3 for an 8-2 victory over Diana Vlad and Valeria Mantilla.

After Bea Morales Hernandez and Anke Poncelet dropped a 9-8 nail-biter at No. 1 to Paula Lopez and Paula Coyos, the Lady Blazers entered singles play with a 2-1 lead.

Sabrina Schmidt opened up singles with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Vlad at No. 4, and a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win for Ubeda at No. 3 put VSU just one win away from the title.

West Florida recovered, however, and the Argonauts reeled off four three-set wins at courts 6, 5, 1, and 2 to seal the thrilling showdown.

With the loss, Valdosta State moved to 16-6 on the year and will look ahead to the NCAA Selection Show on Tuesday to learn where they will play for the 2017 Division II South Regional.