Final Stats |   

CULLOWHEE, N.C. -Western Carolina down UNC Asheville for the first time since 2006 to improve to 8-3 on the season. The win also allows the Catamounts to get within one of the most wins in programs history.

"We need to do some things a little better in doubles, if we are going pull out that point in our next couple of matches but we are eager to work on that in practice and for our next opportunity in a dual match," said head coach Michaela Kissell-Eddins.

The Catamounts salvaged a win in doubles at No. 1 when seniors Stacia Kissell and Shannon Bettiol defeated Hannah Francisco and Kylee Shipley 6-4 after the Bulldogs clinched the doubles point with victories at No. 2 and No. 3.

Freshman Savannah Taranto tied the match up at one with her win over Lauren Brooker 6-3, 6-2 at No. 4 singles to get start the singles scoring. UNC Asheville scored victories at No. 5 and No. 6 singles to close out the scoring for them.

Bettiol stepped up at No. 3 singles with a three set victory over Amalie Davidsen 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to bring the Catamounts to 3-2 in the match.

Kissell needed three sets 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to tie the match three all at No. 1 singles with her win over Francisco.

The third three set victory for the Catamounts clinched the match 4-3, senior Megan McLinden defeated Ericka Rivero 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (2-7), 6-4.

"Today's match was a great battle and we came up big on four singles courts, three of them in three sets. I couldn't be more proud of how we have fought when our backs have been against the wall," stated Kissell-Eddins.

Western Carolina take the courts next against Southern Conference opponent Wofford on Saturday March 19 at 1 p.m. in Cullowhee, N.C. at the Catamount Athletic Complex.