BOONE, N.C. - Early in the second half, ASU junior Hannah Coad scored the game-tying goal and neither team was able to break the deadlock, as Appalachian State women's soccer (5-9-2, 1-5-2 SoCon) earned a 1-1 tie with Southern Conference opponent Chattanooga (6-7-2, 1-6-1 SoCon) at ASU Soccer Stadium on Sunday.

"Both teams showed up ready to play," reported head coach Sarah Strickland. After yielding an early goal, the Apps fought back to erase the deficit. "We did a good job creating chances all day. Chattanooga has a few special players we had to manage."

Chattanooga is led by junior Becca Smith, who began the day as the conference's leading point-scorer, having recorded 12 goals and five assists in previous games; Smith added to her total by scoring Sunday's first goal in the 33rd minute. Off a pass from Keley Swann, Smith fired a deep shot from well outside the penalty area to give the Mocs a 1-0 advantage.

Trailing at the half, the Apps came out of the break aggressive. In the 48th minute, Sydney Hill fed a through-pass into the right corner. From there, ASU's Meggie Graham fired an immediate crossing pass and found Coad at the far post for the equalizer. The goal was her second of the season and Hill's team-high sixth assist.

After a tense conclusion of regulation and two extra periods, the dust settled with the teams still tied, 1-1. The game was Appalachian's fourth-straight double-overtime game at home (1-1-2).

ASU keeper Amy Kolowsky recorded six saves in goal, while Katy Dodd posted a career-high seven shots.

"Every team's competitive in the Southern Conference," continued Strickland. "There's unbelievable parity in the league, and many games are ending in ties. Coad scored a great goal, but now we face an uphill battle. We aren't giving up and we're going to fight until we're done."

Appalachian returns to ASU Soccer Stadium at Ted Mackorell Complex for its next game on Thursday, Oct. 20. In their final home game of the year, the Mountaineers host the Elon Phoenix for a 7 p.m. game.