BOONE, N.C. -  Following a strong second half by the Longwood Lancers, Appalachian State University field hockey falls to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) foe 4-1 on Saturday at the Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field. Junior Rebecca McLean scores App's lone goal of the match, her first of the season.

“Today we started off strong, and that's a first for us,” said head coach Meghan Dawson. “I thought we put together a really competitive first half. We had a ton of opportunities that we should have put away more in the beginning, but it was a great learning opportunity for us. We were up and controlling the ball a lot, but we weren't able to continue that for 70 minutes. So that is our growing point, how to maintain for seventy minutes and continue to put the same effort and product out on the field.”

The first half commenced with two quick shots on goal by Longwood's top offensive player and MAC player of the week Edel Nyland, but App soon responded by bringing their own pressure at net. In the 10th minute, McLean executed a beautiful doubled-assisted shot past the goal-line off of a corner opportunity to give the Mountaineers the early 1-0 lead.

It wouldn't be until eight minutes later that Longwood would grab their first goal of the match. In the 18th minute, Nyland charged down the field for an unassisted goal to even out the score at 1-1.

After many possession changes and minimal attempts at goal, both teams ended the half with one a piece.

App State looked to build off of their strong start in the first half but Longwood's three goals in the second period solidified their victory. LU's Olivia Wawrzyniak provided the Lancer's second goal, and Lil-Sophie Achterwinter and Leonie Verstraete slammed in two back-to-back goals in under two minutes to end the match 4-1.

“Tomorrow is going to be another tough game,” continued Dawson. “We have a quick turnaround, but I think the girls are up for it.

Defense

Appalachian's defense was lead by goalkeeper Rachel Gaines who protected the net for 70:00 minutes and swatted away four of Longwood's attacks. Also, the Mountaineers recorded two defensive saves off of LU's corners.

Offense

In the first half, both squad's defensive efforts dominated the pitch with Longwood only dishing out five shots and Appalachian only delivering three.  But in the second half, the Lancers raised their offensive performance significantly, outshooting Appalachian 8-1. Overall, Longwood attempted ten shots on goal and App smacked three.

Up Next

App State hits the turf tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field against the VCU Rams.