BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University women’s tennis jumped out to an early lead, but could not hang on in a 4-3 loss to Southern Conference rival Elon on Tuesday at the Appalachian Tennis Courts.

The Mountaineers (5-15, 1-6 SoCon) raced out to an early 3-1 lead in their first home outdoor match of the year, but the Phoenix (10-6, 4-1) stormed back to win four-of-six singles matches, including a three-set thriller in the deciding match at the No. 5 spot.

Appalachian seized the momentum early by taking the doubles point thanks to a win at No. 2 doubles by the duo of Clare Cox/McKayla Zupan (8-6) and a victory at No. 3 from Brianna Armellino/Megan Mullen (8-5).

The Mountaineers nearly pulled of the three-match sweep in doubles play, but its top team of Gabrielle Wreder/Mackenzie LaSure fell in a tiebreaker by an 8-7 (7-3) final.

In singles play, the Phoenix evened the match at 1-1 after picking up a win at the No. 4 spot, but Appalachian answered back as Cox won her contest at No. 1 (6-2, 7-5) and Wreder dispatched her opponent at No. 3 (7-5, 6-2) to give the Mountaineers a 3-1 lead.

Elon responded with straight-set wins at No. 2 and No. 6 to make it 3-3. In the deciding match at No. 5 singles, App State’s Jessica Thaggard fell 6-1 in the first set, but rallied with a 6-2 second-set win to send the match to a decisive third set.

In a thrilling final set, Maria Camara Ruiz was able to score the win by a 6-4 final and give the Phoenix the match victory.