Mississippi State Draws Alabama in SEC Championship Opener

NORMAN, Okla. - The Mississippi State women's tennis program prepares for postseason play with the upcoming SEC Tournament in Norman, Okla.

The 13th seeded Bulldogs (16-10) are set to face the 12th seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (12-11) in the opening round on Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. CT at the Headington Family Tennis Center. The winner of their first round matchup will advance to take on the 5th seeded Texas Longhorns on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT.

Wednesday's contest between State and Alabama will be the two programs second meeting of the season. The two squads previously met in Starkville back on Feb. 22, a match Alabama won, 4-1.

Mississippi State in the ITA Rankings
Team Ranking - 47th
Singles
No. 107 - Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz
Doubles
No. 12 -  Chiara Di Genova and Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz
No. 35 - Gianna Oboniye and Kempenaers-Pocz
No. 37 - Athina Pitta and Oboniye

Notes to Know
• Chiara Di Genova/ Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz have won nine of their last ten completed matches from the number one spot. The duo has four ranked wins under their belt including No. 9 pair of Andrea Nova and Emily Welker from Ole Miss.
• Chiara Di Genova has clinched three of the four SEC wins for the Bulldogs
• The last time MSU won four SEC matches in a season was in 2019
• The last time State won two ranked SEC matches in a season was in 2022
• Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz earned her first SEC win over a ranked opponent this season by defeating South Carolinas No. 41 Helena Buchwald
• The freshman class has a combined record of 20 singles victories this dual match season.
• MSU has only dropped the doubles point seven times this season
• Mississippi State last won an opening-round match in the SEC Championships in 2022, defeating Missouri 4-2 before falling to Arkansas in the second round.
• The Bulldogs have recorded at least one win in five of their last ten tournament appearances.

History vs. Alabama
• Alabama leads the all-time series, 39-19
• State's last win over the Crimson Tide was on March 20, 2022
• Bama has won four consecutive meetings in the series

The full bracket and more information about the SEC Tournament is available on the championship landing page which can be found HERE.

For Fans Planning To Attend The SEC Championship In Norman
• Tournament home page can be found HERE.
• Admission is free
• A 100% cashless experience will be in place for food, beverage and retail (Apple Pay will be available at all locations).
• Oklahoma will continue its clear-bag policy this season. The approved clear plastic tote size is a maximum of 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear, plastic freezer bag. All bags, including clear bags, are subject to search.
    • Clear fanny pack and clear crossbody bags are permitted.
    • Non-transparent clutch wallets no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches are permitted.
    • Bags necessary for medical equipment will be searched at marked medical lanes at each gate.
    • No other bags or purses, including diaper bags, are permitted. The limit on bags is one per person.•
• Parking is free, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Lloyd Noble Center Parking lot.

For more information on the Bulldog women's tennis program, visit HailState.com or follow "HailStateWT" on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mississippi State Draws Alabama in SEC Championship Opener

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Players Mentioned

Chiara Di Genova

Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz

Gianna Oboniye

Athina Pitta

Mississippi State University Athletics