Boone, NC -- After opening the season with six games either on the road or at neutral sites, Appalachian State field hockey returns to the friendly confines of Kidd Brewer Stadium this weekend for a two-game home stand.

The Mountaineers will kick off both their home and NorPac schedules Friday night when they square off with rival Davidson. The Wildcats enter the weekend with a 2-4 record on the year and are led by junior forward Ellie Szykowny who has two goals on the season. Goalkeeper Christa Goeke has posted shutouts in both Davidson wins this year, and currently ranks fourth in the conference with 26 saves.

Appalachian will take on Rider in a non-conference matchup Saturday in part two of the weekend homestand. The Broncos are currently 5-0 on the season and receiving votes in the latest Kookabura/NFHCA Poll. Sophomore forward Megan Pisani has been instrumental in the Broncs' fast start in '09, scoring seven goals and tallying two assists in Rider's first five games.

After a 2-1 start to the '09 season, the Mountaineers enter the weekend on a three-game losing streak after dropping decisions to William and Mary, West Chester, and Villanova but appear primed to get back on track with Davidson coming to town Friday. Appalachian knocked off Davidson 3-2 at Kidd Brewer last season and match up well traditionally with the Wildcats.

The Mountaineers will need strong performances in the net from sophomore keeper Bridgette Street this weekend in order to pult a halt to the three-game skid. The Stillwater, Pa native was named NorPac Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week following a career-high 21 save performance against Villanova last Saturday. Street currently ranks second in the NCAA in saves per game with 12.33, trailing only Siena's Renee Clavette.

Junior forward Nicole Morgan leads ASU's offensive attack so far in 2009, posting two goals on seven shots. Six others: Lisa Charney, Kate Garnet, Jessie Harris, Jenn Heiss, Kelsey Dorset, and Kelly Allaband are all tied for second with one goal apiece. Sophomore defender Lauren Kloeppinger leads the team with two assists.

The Mounaineers will take the field at 7 p.m. Friday night at Kidd Brewer Stadium, and at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Stay logged on to GoASU.com for results from this weekend's field hockey action and all the latest in Appalachian Athletics.