MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The University of Alabama in Huntsville women's tennis team advanced to the semifinals of the GSC Tournament for the first time since 1997 with a 5-2 decision over fifth-seeded West Alabama Wednesday afternoon at Lagoon Park.

It was UAH's first victory in the conference tournament since 1998 when the Lady Chargers defeated former conference member Henderson State 6-1 in the consolation semifinals, and Thursday's triumph was the team's first victory in the quarterfinals since 1997 when they eliminated Delta State 5-3.

UAH flew out of the gate by sweeping all three doubles matches thanks to  Marleen Gort and Aniek Remmerswaal recording a tight 8-6 victory over Sandra Florez and Stanzi Stuijt as the No. 1 duo before Katie Bryant and Jessica Groupierre defeated Christina Bettag and Shannon McEvoy in a close 8-6 decision at No. 2 doubles.

The Lady Chargers would head into singles play with a 3-0 lead after the tandem of Aude Rappaz and Lina Carvajal came away with an 8-5 victory as the No. 3 pairing.

Gort continued her strong play with a straight-set victory at the No. 1 spot as the freshman registered a straight-set victory against Stuijt. UWA's only points came in singles competition at the four and the six spot before Rappaz clinched the win for the Lady Chargers with a 6-2, 6-1 straight-set decision as the No. 5.

The women will return to the court for a chance to play in the GSC Final at 1:30 p.m. on Friday when they take on the No. 1 seed West Florida.