FOLEY, Ala. — Appalachian State University women's soccer was unable to comeback from a four-goal first-half deficit, falling 6-0 to South Alabama in the semifinal round of the Sun Belt Championship tournament at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex on Friday night.
The Mountaineers finally had their win streak snapped and their run of incredible play to finish the season, ending up 10-8-2, as they were unable to defeat the top-ranked Jaguars (14-5-1) for the second time this season.
The Jaguars came out of the gates looking solely for offense as they flicked the ball at every chance forward to advance pressure. The fast-paced offense eventually produced a goal in the 20th minute, while the next two came in the next 7 minutes of the game. South Alabama would put one more in the back of the net on a play behind the backline that resulted in the final goal of the half with 19 seconds left.
The second half started with much more even tempo, but South Alabama was still first to score in the new 45, getting a header off a corner set piece in the 52nd minute. The defensive battle would continue with App State holding strong, but the Jaguars would find the net one final time in the 77th minute.
Leading the Mountaineers offensively was senior Jane Cline who finished with four total shots, two on goal. Junior Kelly Flanders and sophomores Sarah Peatross and Emmily Cowie were close behind with two shots total, with both of Flanders' on goal.
Seniors Jenn Bass, Jackie Nieradka and Aubrey Fletcher had one shot each with Fletcher's and Bass' on goal.
Junior goalkeeper Sam Steyl played the entire 90 for Appalachian on the night, making two saves.
