Mobile, Ala. –  Opening up a weekend of Sun Belt Conference matches, the Eagles wasted no time getting a 4-3 decision over rival Appalachian State.  Georgia Southern (8-3) got the coveted doubles point while Anne Kurzweil earned the singles match-winner for the Eagles.

"I am so proud of our team for fighting such a tough battle today," said Head Coach Michele Stanford.  "It was very important that each individual kept their focus and determination from start to finish.  We are fired up and eager to continue the Sun Belt battle tomorrow afternoon against Troy!"

Jordana Klein and Giulia Riepe got the day started on the right foot at No. 3 doubles when they defeated Gabrielle Wreder and McKayla Zupan 8-4.  At No. 1 doubles, Mary Phillips Smith and Kurzweil combined to finish off Clare Cox and Mackenzie LaSure 8-3 to earn the doubles point.

Francisca Norregaard and Daria Vasekina fell to Megan Mullen and Melissa Machado 6-8 at No. 2, however, the doubles point had already been secured by the Eagles.

Heading in to singles up 1-0, the Mountaineers attempted to mount a comeback when Cox bounced Klein at No. 1 6-3, 6-2 to even the match score.  Vasekina, playing at No. 5, tilted the match back in favor of Georgia Southen when she setback wreder 6-1, 7-5.

Riepe finished moments later and made it 3-1 Eagles when she claimed victory over Machado at No. 4 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).  The Mountaineers pulled to within 1 to make it 3-2 when LaSure took down Smith at No. 2 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Kurzweil, playing in the No. 3 position, earned the match-winner when she took down Brianna Armellino 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.  After the match was clinched by the Eagles, Norregaard fell to Zupan at No. 6 6-4, 6-7(5-7, 6-3.

The Eagles will stay in Mobile, Alabama as they turn their attention to Troy University for a Saturday match-up against the Trojans beginning at 3 p.m.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Fans can purchase tickets to Georgia Southern Athletics events by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by visiting GSEagles.com.

Singles competition
1. Clare Cox (APP) def. Jordana Klein (GS) 6-3, 6-2
2. Mackenzie LaSure (APP) def. Mary Phillips Smith (GS) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
3. Anne Kurzweil (GS) def. Brianna Armellino (APP) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
4. Giulia Riepe (GS) def. Melissa Machado (APP) 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)
5. Daria Vasekina (GS) def. Gabrielle Wreder (APP) 6-1, 7-5
6. McKayla Zupan (APP) def. Francisca Norregaard (GS) 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3

Doubles competition
1. Mary Phillips Smith/Anne Kurzweil (GS) def. Clare Cox/Mackenzie LaSure (APP) 8-3
2. Megan Mullen/Melissa Machado (APP) def. Francisca Norregaard/Daria Vasekina (GS) 8-6
3. Jordana Klein/Giulia Riepe (GS) def. Gabrielle Wreder/McKayla Zupan (APP) 8-4

Match Notes:
Appalachian State 6-8
Georgia Southern 8-3

Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (1,5,4,2,3,6)