BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University men's tennis was unable to keep pace with East Carolina Sunday afternoon at the Yonahlossee Racquet Club, as the Apps fell 5-2 to the Pirates. With loss, the Mountaineers drop to 0-1 on the season, while ECU improves to 4-1 overall.

In a hard-fought match, ASU was unable to eek out the crucial doubles point, as the Pirates were victorious in two very close doubles matches.

The duo of Trent Constance and Peter Jacobs came up just short against Henrik Skalmerud and Stian Tvedt falling 9-8 at the number one doubles spot. However, Alain Humblet and Philip Kloc were able to pick up a win for the Black and Gold, downing their competitors, 8-3 at the number two spot.

Unfortunately, freshman Andrew McKinnonn and Britton Webb could not grab a win at the number three doubles position, falling 8-5, giving ECU the doubles point.

In singles action, Constance was defeated 7-5, 6-3 at the number one spot, while Jacobs was able to capture a win at the number two position, defeating Sklamerud 6-3, 6-3.

Kloc, Humblet and McKinnon also suffered losses at the three, four and five spots, while freshman Ezekiel Sansing was impressive, grabbing a narrow win over Bryan Oakley at the number six spot. McKinnon won 4-6, 6-2, 10-8.

Looking to rebound, the Apps continue with the 2009-10 season, heading to Lynchburg, Va. to take on Liberty, Saturday February 13 at 6 p.m.