BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University women's soccer pushed No. 22 Texas Tech to the limit on Sunday afternoon but was unable to complete the upset, falling 2-1 on a second-half own goal in the 76th minute.
"Today was the end of non-conference and Phase One of our season," head coach Sarah Strickland said. "I am so proud of how these young women battled today and for the exciting opportunities we created. Texas Tech is a well-coached, nationally recognized contender that we knew would both challenge our speed of play and potentially help our RPI. Sarah Peatross showed what hard work and commitment are about by all of her repetition of set pieces and the finish she had on the direct kick. Lindsey Tully held the backline together and Sam Steyl came away with some huge saves. We found some areas we need to fix but I believe we are ready to compete and are exciting for the weekend ahead."
The Mountaineers (5-3) battled from the beginning, keeping up the high-energy Red Raiders (6-1-1) on the pitch. To start, Texas Tech was able to get more opportunities on the goal, putting up a 9-4 shot advantage. But it would be App State who would strike first off a free kick by Sarah Peatross curved around the TTU goalkeeper in the 44th minute.
Appalachian was limited to just seven shots on the day, three of which were on goal. Lindsey Tully and Jane Cline led the way with two shots each, while Cline, Erin Settle and Peatross all finished with one shot on goal.
In the net for the Mountaineers was Sam Steyl. Steyl played the entire 90 for App and made save after save through the first 60 minutes, finishing with five on the day.Â
Helping lead the defensive line was Tully and Aubrey Fletcher, while Jackie Nieradka and Emmily Cowie helped contain the midfield and Sarah Moon once again provided key energy off the sidelines.
Texas Tech would equalize the match in the 61st minute when Gwennie Puente got out on a breakaway from a cleared App corner.Â
The Mountaineers begin conference play next weekend when they go on the road to face Troy on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. and Sun Belt newcomer Coastal Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 18. The kickoff for the Sunday match is 1 p.m.
