BOONE, N.C. — Sophomore Ali Williams scored two goals and senior Taylor Cimbalist scored one to push Appalachian State University field hockey passed La Salle, 3-1, on Friday in Philadelphia.
This is the first time the Moutaineers have won a season opener since 2014 and the first season-opening victory on the road since 2009.
App State (1-0) only had two shots in the first half to La Salle's (0-1) seven, but goalkeeper Rachel Gaines was able to fend off the Explorer attacks with five first-half saves.
The score would remain tied at zero going into the half until Cimbalist opened up the scoring in 38th minute on her first goal of the season.
Just under three minutes later, Williams would score her first goal of the night unassisted. La Salle answered in the 45th minute with a goal by Rialee Allen cutting the Appalachian lead in half.
With a 2-1 lead, Gaines deflected two La Salle shots to preserve the Moutaineer lead. In the 59th minute, freshman Annette Jarosz sent a shot towards the goal that Williams was able to tip in for a 3-1 lead. Williams matched her career-high in goals scored and Jarosz picked up her first career assist.
Williams led the Mountaineer offense with five shots while Cimbalist, Jarosz, freshman Meghan Smart and sophomore Melissa Nobile each had one shot. Gaines finished with eight saves and picked up her second-career victory.
Appalachian will stay on the road and head to Washington, D.C. to take on Georgetown on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
