BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University women's tennis fell in its home opener and first Southern Conference match of the season to Georgia Southern Sunday afternoon, as the Apps lost 7-0. With the loss the Black and Gold drop to 6-4 on the season and 0-1 in SoCon action, while GSU improves to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in league play.
The Apps posted a solid effort in doubles play, but GSU pushed past ASU by winning two-of-three matches.
The duo of Ellie Linsell and Jessica Thaggard lost to Paola Garrido and Caitlin Kitchen at the number one spot, falling 8-5, while the team of Blakeley Bean and Gisela Fernandez easily defeated their opponents at the number two position, 8-2. At the number three spot, Jennifer Ansari and Kim-Lea Dinh were defeated 8-1.
Things did not get much easier for the Apps in singles play as Georgia Southern won all singles matches as well.
Linsell was defeated by Garrido at the number one spot, and Ansari also fell in two straight sets at the number two position to Ali Beavers.
Bean could not keep pace with Melanie Rolle at the number three position, losing 6-4, 6-2 while Thaggard dropped a tough decision to Natalie Maffett at the four spot, also falling in two sets.
Fernandez and Cash also lost in two sets at the No. 5 and 6 spots to Ashley Hungerford and Alessandra Dzuba.
Appalachian returns to action Wednesday, March 16 as it heads to face SoCon rival Elon at 3 p.m.
Georgia Southern 7, Appalachian State University 0
Singles competition
1. Paola Garrido (GSU) def. Ellie Linsell (ASU) 7-5, 6-1
2. Ali Beavers (GSU) def. Jennifer Ansari (ASU) 7-5, 6-2
3. Melanie Rolle (GSU) def. Blakeley Bean (ASU) 6-4, 6-2
4. Natalie Maffett (GSU) def. Jessica Thaggard (ASU) 6-1, 6-3
5. Ashley Hungerford (GSU) def. Gisela Fernandez (ASU) 6-3, 6-3
6. Alessandra Dzuba (GSU) def. Amanda Cash (ASU) 6-2, 6-0
Doubles competition
1. Garrido/Caitlin Kitchen (GSU) def. Linsell/Thaggard (ASU) 8-5
2. Bean/Fernandez (ASU) def. Beavers/Hungerford (GSU) 8-2
3. Rolle/Maffett (GSU) def. Ansari/Kim-Lea Dinh (ASU) 8-1
