Welcome to Fall Preview Week at GoASU.com. From Aug. 19-25, GoASU.com will provide in-depth previews of Appalachian's cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball squads as they prepare to open their respective 2011 campaigns.

Field Hockey Ready for 2011 Season

Appalachian State University field hockey is bringing a lot experience into the 2011 campaign with 14 returning letter-winners, including seven returning starters.  The Mountaineers look to improve their 5-14 record and fourth place finish in the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference (NorPac) East Division from last season.

Brandi Alexander Kist enters her sixth season at the helm as the Mountaineers' head coach and is hoping to make some noise in the eight-team NorPac  Conference.  Alexander Kist will rely on the leadership of the six seniors.

DEFENSE

The backline for Appalachian is anchored by junior Casey Lammando. Last season, the Hummelstown, Pa. native topped the conference with eight defensive saves and was ranked sixth in the nation.

Senior Lauren Kloeppinger brings leadership to the  Mountaineers' defensive end. 2011 is Kloeppinger's second straight season being as a team captain.  Kloeppinger led the team with five assists and is one of three returners to start every game last fall.

GOALKEEPERS

Senior Bridgette Street returns as the Mountaineers top performer between the pipes.  The Stillwater, Pa. native led the NorPac with 162 saves and ranked fifth in country with 8.53 saves per game.  She earned East Division All-Conference  honors and was named East Division defensive player of the week three times.  Street is currently fifth all-time with 433 career saves.

OFFENSE

Senior midfielder Kelly Allaband and junior Lesley Thomas will be depended upon to carry the offensive load after scoring three goals apiece last season.  Allaband contributed seven points and started all 19 games last fall.  Thomas, a Zimbabwe native, notched eight points and was second on the squad with a .467 shooting percentage.     

Senior Kelsey Dorset (7 pts.), and sophomores Emily Knapp (5 pts.) and Brooklyn Shearer (4 pts.) will be looked to give offensive support.  Each member of the supporting trio appeared in 17 or more matches last year.

NEWCOMERS

The Black and Gold welcome seven freshmen to this year's squad.  Alexander Kist brings in three forwards, three midfielders, and one defender.  Newport News, Va. native Shea-la Gatz brings an offensive depth and is third all-time in goals scored at Menchville High School.  Jessi Stuart, a Middletown, Pa. native, led her team to a state championship as a junior.  Gatz and Stuart are accompanied at the forward position by Jordyn Warren, an Allentown, Pa. native.

Brook Angellella, a Manahawkin, N.J. native, will be a scoring threat from the midfield position after a senior year where she netted 14 goals and dished out four assists.  Alex Miller joins the Apps after a successful prep career with 36 assists, eight goals, and 13 defensive saves.  Angellella and Miller are joined by Dana Wetmore, a Bethlehem, Pa. native, in the midfield.  Jenn Delph the Hampton, Va. native is the lone freshman defender.

GoASU.com PREVIEW WEEK
Friday, Aug. 19 - Women's Soccer
Monday, Aug. 22 - Field Hockey
Tuesday, Aug. 23 - Men's Soccer
Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Men's and Women's Cross Country
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Volleyball