As has become a summer tradition, appstatesports.com is counting down Appalachian State University athletics' 30 most memorable games, matches and meets from the 2015-16 academic year. This year's countdown begins on Tuesday, July 5 and will continue until Tuesday, August 2.
Be sure to check appstatesports.com each day to relive all of the Mountaineers' most lasting memories of an exciting and successful 2015-16.
Apps Down Little Rock, Advance to Semi-Final Match
November 4, 2015
ATLANTA, Ga. — Jane Cline's goal in the 78th minute pushed Appalachian State University women's soccer into the semi-final of the Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday morning. The Mountaineers (10-6-3) eliminated No. 5 seed Little Rock, 2-1.
"Six years ago when I took over this program I asked every player to commit to a process that would put us in a position to compete for a conference championship," said head coach Sarah Strickland. "This group of seniors has been the cornerstone to our growth. It is only fitting that their commitment, leadership, and winning mentality has led us into the semi-finals of the conference tournament for only the second time in program history."
App State determined to get out of the first round of the conference tournament for the first time under head Strickland, came out playing aggressive. The Apps tallied six shots in the first half with three on target.
Appalachian really started the put the pressure on in the 38th minute when Kate Ward and Cline both had shots saved by Little Rock goalkeeper Sara Small. One minute later, Merlin Beckwith crossed a ball into the box. Jenn Bass collected the ball and scored to put the Apps up 1-0.
Strickland praised Bass for her goal. "Jenn Bass's goal gave us the spark that we needed to relax and play. It was a reflection of the heart and perseverance that she brings to this team."
Down 1-0 after the break, the Trojans got back into the game when Arola Aparicio Gili received a pass from Shannon Shields in the box and rocketed it into the roof of the net.
With less than 15 minutes left in regulation Carrie Taylor won the ball in the midfield and played a long pass through the air to Cline, who making a run between the Little Rock center backs. Cline gained control of the pass and slotted it past keeper for the game-winning goal.
The win marks just the third time in program history that the Mountaineers have won a post season game. App State had wins in the opening round of the Southern Conference Tournament in 1996 over Chattanooga and 2003 over College of Charleston. Appalachian has never been past the semi-final round.
Strickland continued.
"I especially want to commend Megan Roberson on her performance today. She was absolutely amazing in keeping us in the game the first 20 minutes and her save in the last minute was special. Jane Cline's finish in the second goal was something we have been working on for the past couple of weeks. Now it is time to for us focus on Friday and be prepared to battle in the semifinals."
The Apps will face South Alabama in the semi-final match. The Jaguars defeated App State 3-0 in the regular season and blew past UL Lafayette in their quarter-final match. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Appalachian State Athletics' Most Memorable Moments of 2015-16
No. 30: Women's Tennis 4, Georgia Southern 2 (April 20, 2016)
No. 29: App State Knocks Off No. 24 Duke (December 15, 2015)
No. 28: Another 8-7 Walkoff Win Clinches Series Victory (April 4, 2016)
No. 27: Apps Catch Fire in Resilient Win (January 28, 2016)
No. 26: Mountaineers Receive Votes for AP Top 25 (October 15, 2015)
No. 25: Men's Tennis Ousts Troy, Advances to SBC Semis (April 22, 2016)
No. 24: Apps Down GSU with Clutch Plays in Late Moments (Feb. 27, 2016)
No. 23: Frank Eaves Nets 1,000 Career points in 76-67 Win over GSU (Jan. 21, 2015)
No. 22: Jalin Moore Breaks Freshman Rushing Record in 47-20 Win (Nov. 14, 2015)
No. 21: Van Ord Leads App State with 10,000-Meter Win - Sun Belt Champ (May 13, 2016)
No. 20: Broaden Claims Sun Belt Title in 400-Meter Hurdles - Sun Belt Champ (May 13, 2016)
No. 19: Moriarty Cards Career-Low 65; Ties Program Record (March 7, 2016)
No. 18: Pepper Butler Graduates During Special Ceremony (March 19, 2016)
No. 17: Mountaineers Down NJIT, Advance to SBC Semifinal (Nov. 12, 2015)
No. 16: Women's Golf Wins Mimosa Hills Intercollegiate (April 4, 2016)
No. 15: Men's and Women's XC Take Home Second at SBC Championships (November 1, 2015)
No. 14: Dawson Secures First Win as Head Coach (August 30, 2015)
No. 13: Mountaineers Walk Past No. 23 South Alabama, 4-3 (April 15, 2016)
No. 12: Apps Down Little Rock, Advance to Semi-Final Match (November 4, 2015)
