Box Score BOONE, N.C.  – Appalachian State dropped their season opener to future Mid-American Conference foe Ball State 3-1 on Friday afternoon at the Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field.

Things were tight for much of the opening half until Ball State struck first in the 17th minute to take a 1-0 lead on a cross shot by Bryce Barnes. The rest of the first half remained at a standstill with the Cardinals leading by one.

The second half reigned with more aggression towards the goal line from both squads, but Ball State managed to find their rhythm early. BSU's Lexi Kavanaugh stormed down the field to score an unassisted goal and later, teammate Mikayla Mooney would connect off of a double-assisted corner to extend their lead to 3-0.

Never giving up faith, the Mountaineers continued to fight throughout the second half and leaped onto the scoreboard in the 60th minute thanks to a stunning goal by Melissa Nobile assisted by junior Taylor Cimbalist.

The goal by the freshman sparked a fire into the Mountaineers and Appalachian was eager to shorten the Cardinal-gap, but the Apps ran out of time and Ball State took the match 3-1.

Shots

The Mountaineers applied their share of pressure on goal. BSU edged out the Apps in total shots 8-7 and shots on goal were even at four apiece.

At Net

Goalkeeper Rachel Gaines guarded the baseline for the entire 70 minutes of the match and made one great save to fend of the Cardinal's attack to keep the bout close.

Up Next

The Black and Gold will play their second-straight home game against Georgetown on Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Brandon & Erica M Adcock Field Hockey Stadium. Game time starts at noon.