Valparaiso began its spring trip on Sunday morning dropping a tough 4-3 decision to Appalachian State in Orlando, Fla.

The Mountaineers opened the contest winning the doubles point, taking matches at both first and second doubles. Valpo's Kim Sajevic (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury H.S.) and Julie Wingstrom (Wolcotville, Ind./Westview H.S.) earned a victory for the Crusaders at the third spot with their 8-6 triumph.

When the action moved to singles, Rachel Janssen (Fort Wayne, Ind./Dwenger H.S.) tied the score at one with her 6-1, 6-0 victory at the top of the order. After Appalachian State (5-4) won at sixth singles, Whitney Chada (Downers Grove, Ill./North H.S.) posted another Crusader victory, 6-4, 6-4 at the fourth spot.

The Mountaineers won at third singles to move within a point of the victory but Kate Evangelist (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West H.S.) tied the match at three with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory at second singles. In the deciding match, fifth singles, Appalachian State earned the win as Frances Blanton downed Jenny Schwartz (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora H.S.) 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Valparaiso (4-5) will return to action on Monday morning as the Crusaders face Long Island. First serve is set for 10 a.m. CDT in Orlando.