Estrada, Robinson begin play at national tournament

Mississippi Gulf Coast's Paulina Estrada and Katie Robinson competed Thursday in the first round at the National Small College Championships in Sumter, S.C.

The duo qualified for the tournament by winning the ITA Regional tournament last month. It's the third straight year Gulf Coast has sent players to the national tournament.

In the first round of the women's singles, Estrada lost 6-3, 6-0 to fourth-seeded Luisa Varon from Seminole State.

In doubles, Estrada and Robinson lost to third-seeded Varon and Miranda Rodriguez 6-0, 6-0.

They'll play in the consolation bracket Friday. Estrada plays her next singles match at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:30. She teams up with Robinson in doubles play at 1 p.m. and again at 5:30.