BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University women's soccer began fall practice training on Wednesday, Aug. 8. 

The squad conducted both a morning and an afternoon session. Neither of the practices avoided the rainfall at Appalachian Soccer Stadium. One team wore yellow Appalachian State shirts while the other team wore pennys to differentiate. 

“Usually in the beginning the first thing we focus on is chemistry," said fourth-year head coach Sarah Strickland. "It's a lot of getting to know each other and getting outside of the comfort zone. We split the freshman up so that they are in different groups constantly so they can get to know everybody.”

The second session consisted of short 11 on 11 scrimmages. The ball skipped quite a bit on the wet turf. Kathryn Palmer scored a nice goal from the around the top left part of the box into the right side of the net for the yellow team.

“We move people around to see how they work together. We see how they work off each other and the runs that they are making, the style of play and just looking for groups that are fitting together," said coach.

Amy Werdine and Carrie Taylor provided a solid tandem on defense by showing solid chemistry on the back line early on in fall camp. 

The first exhibition game for the women is next Thursday, Aug. 15 in Blacksburg, Va. against the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The match is set to start at 4 p.m.

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