For only the fourth time in GAC history, the final went the full seven points. The contest hinged on the result at No. 3 singles between Tech’s Monica Balau and the Reddies’ Adiya Abdugappar. Abdugappar, who came up with the clinching point against Harding on Saturday with a three-set victory, forced a decisive third set by winning the second set, 6-2.
Balau won the opening two games before Abdugappar claimed the subsequent two. Balau held serve to retake the lead. She then broke Abdugappar and followed with a hold to lead 5-2. Another break of serve by Balau secured the title.
After dropping the doubles point, Arkansas Tech (12-7) earned the first two singles points as Elis Gergel won in straight sets at No. 1 and Nayara Alvarez won in similar fashion at No. 6. The Reddies (11-9) took a 3-2 advantage thanks to victories from Jordan Parker at No. 5 and Emilia Nowak, the GAC Newcomer of the Year, at No. 2. Natalya Montoya drew the Golden Suns level with a 7-6, 6-3 win at No. 4
Arkansas Tech secured its fourth trip to the NCAA Championships and first since 2015. The Golden Suns will learn their opening opponent during the NCAA.com selection show that streams at 7 p.m. on Monday.
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