EAST GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T women's tennis lost to UNC Ashville 6-1 at Dudley High School tennis courts on Monday. 

The Aggies victory came at No. 3 singles as freshman Cielo Tapia-Cruz improved to 3-2 on the season as she defeated Beatrice Faureng 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 (10-1). It was Tapia-Cruz's first Big South Conference win on the season.  

Before Tapia-Cruz's win, UNCA took the doubles point. The Bulldogs won at the No. 3 doubles by a walkover and won at No. 1 doubles as Faureng and Ami Grace Dougah defeated senior Marlene Estenssoro and sophomore Manuela Jimenez. The No. 2 doubles match saw Ari Siegal and Linge Steenkamp defeat junior Florielvis Hurtado Pernaleta and Tapia-Cruz, 6-2. 

The Aggies lost No. 6 by forfeit before Jimenez lost in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0 to Steenkamp. Then, Hurtado Prenaleta lost 6-1, 6-2 against Doughit at No. 1 singles. 

After Trinity Oliver lost her match 6-1, 6-2 against Byers, UNCA took a 4-0 lead to win. However, both coaches decided to let the No. 3 and 4 singles competitors finish their respective matches. 

That allowed Tapia-Cruz to earn her third victory of the season and Estenssoro to play a thrilling match against Taylor Love. Estenssoro, the last player on the court, lost her match on the third set 1-6, 6-4, 5-10. Estenssoro's match was outstanding with long rallies, making for a marathon match. 

The Aggies moved to 0-5 on the season and 0-3 in the Big South. UNCA is 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the league.  

A&T will travel to Hickory N.C. on March 8 to play against Lenoir-Rhyne University.