BOONE, N.C. - In the final minutes of the game, ASU freshman Julia Holz netted an exciting sudden-victory goal to lift Appalachian State women's soccer, 1-0, over Wofford in double overtime Sunday at ASU Soccer Stadium. The win is the Apps' first Southern Conference victory of the season as the team improves to 5-6-1 (1-2-1 SoCon), while the Terriers dip to 7-3-0 (1-3 SoCon).

"Our ladies really stepped up today," said head coach Sarah Strickland. "They really laid it on the line, and we felt like a goal was coming all game. Julia [Holz] scored a great goal, and I'm very proud of our team."

The win was Appalachian's first overtime conference win since a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Western Carolina in 2004. Wofford suffered its third straight loss after a 7-0 start to the year.

In the opening minutes of the game, Appalachian's Sydney Hill broke loose on the front for what looked like a quick goal for the Mountaineers, but her shot drifted wide left of the post.

Wofford's defense collected itself collected itself and allowed only three more shots in the period. On the other end of the field, the Appalachian defense proved equally formidable, and the Terriers were only able to pull the trigger once in the opening half.

The Terriers gained momentum late in regulation and seemed on the verge of ending the scoreless drought. In the 78th minute, Wofford's Erin Stephenson fired from near the top of the box. ASU goalkeeper Amy Kolowsky came out to play the ball and smothered the shot, but the ball rebounded to Emily Bougas.

With only one defender between her and an open goal, Bougas was unable to keep her shot on target, and the opportunity ended with the ball sliding outside the left post.

After no score in regulation, the teams upped the tempo in the first extra period. Kolowsky saved two Wofford shots on goal, and the Black and Gold notched three shots with two deflecting off the crossbar.

Appalachian's big break came in the 107th minute. Deep in Wofford territory, freshman Morgan Fancher and junior Hannah Coad maneuvered the ball to Holz, who drew the keeper off her line. Holz's shot was partially deflected by the diving goalie but caught the inside of the left post to clinch the Mountaineers' victory.

Kolowsky finished the game with five saves, while ASU's Meggie Graham had a game-high three shots.

"I didn't even see the shot," admits Holz. "I was just focused on my foot and the ball and hit it with everything I had left." The goal was her team-high fifth of the season. "Overall, I think we were a little off our game at times, but we stayed in it," she added.

"Holz scored an incredible goal," commented Strickland. "Taylor Dunlap did a great job on defense, and Amy [Kolowsky] earned her fourth shutout. Katy Dodd stepped up, too."

The Mountaineers return to the road next weekend with games at Davidson on Friday, Oct. 7 and Georgia Southern on Saturday, Oct. 9.