BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University women's tennis posted a solid performance but came up just short, as the Mountaineers dropped a 4-3 decision to non-conference opponent UNC Asheville Tuesday afternoon. With the loss, Appalachian falls to 7-11 overall, while UNCA improves to 12-6 on the season.

In doubles action, the duo of Laura Janke and Gisela Fernandez faced a two tough competitors in Louise Bottomley and Devon Cavanaugh and suffered a close 9-8 defeat at the number two spot. Despite the early loss, Jennifer Ansari and Caroline Mauch cruised past their opponents at the three spot, easily earning an 8-4 victory.

With the doubles point on the line, Olivia Stannard and Ellie Linsell pushed Leslie Smith and Stephanie Schon to the brink, but could not come away with the victory, falling in a 9-7 heartbreaker and giving UNCA the early 1-0 match lead.

Things did not get much easier in singles play, as Janke was defeated 6-3, 6-3 by Britney Cloer at the six slot.

Fernandez got the Apps on the board with her strong play, as she easily won, picking up a 6-3, 6-2 win, putting ASU on the board down 2-1.

However, Blakeley Bean had a tough time at the four spot, after falling narrowly 7-6 in the first set, she lost 6-2 in the second.

Linsell was able to keep the Mountaineers alive, defeating Smith 6-3, 7-5 at the number one position, to make Appalachian down just 3-2, with the Black and Gold having to win in the final two matches to earn the match victory.

After losing 6-2 in the first set, Mauch rallied a comeback grabbing a 6-3 win in the second set, but could not hang with Bottomley at the three spot, dropping a 6-3 decision in the third set giving the Bulldogs the match win.

In the final singles match, Ansari was victorious in three hard fought sets, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The Mountaineers continue with non-conference play, as they return to action Thursday April 8, taking on Charlotte at 2:30 p.m. at the ASU Tennis Courts.