DAVIDSON, N.C. - Appalachian State field hockey slipped to the Davidson Wildcats 4-1 on Friday at the Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field in Davidson, N.C. Freshman Melissa Nobile scored App State's lone goal on the night and currently leads the team in total goals with five on the season.

“Today was a tough loss,” said head coach Meghan Dawson. “ The girls put in the work but we didn't have the extra effort to put it in the goal. We had a ton of opportunities that we just needed to capitalize on and didn't.”

Davidson (2-8) started their offensive strategy early with a quick goal in the 9th minute off a penalty corner. Despite the early deficit, the Mountaineers (1-8) did not panic and snatched a goal of their own, thanks to a polarizing shot sent in by Nobile assisted by Rebecca McLean to even up the score at one a piece.

The two North Carolina squads continued to exchange offensive possessions until App threatened to score on a penalty corner with the clock winding down, but the ladies could not capitalize, and the half ended at 1-1.

Appalachian controlled the offensive stats in the first 35-minute half with seven shots and six on goal to Davidson's four shots with three towards the cage. Rachel Gaines enhanced the Mountaineer's performance swatting away two of the Wildcats' attacks.

App State started the second half strong with two penalty corners but could not find an opening to take the lead. After multiple back-and-forth possessions on the turf, the Wildcats found two back-to-back holes in the net to take the 3-1 advantage with 26 minutes left on the board. Four minutes later, Davidson would strike again on their second corner of the half from a batted-in shot provided by Leigha Nortier to stretch their lead to 4-1.

Appalachian continued to target the goal but could not strike up the right plays, and Davidson took the match 4-1.

Offense

For the second time this season, the Mountaineers dominated the offensive side of the field holding the advantage in shots (15-8), shots on goal (10-6) and in penalty corners (10-4).

At Net

Goalkeeper Gaines had a solid performance at net rejecting two of Davidson's attacks and playing for 70:00 minutes.

Up Next

App State will hit the pitch Saturday, Oct. 1 right back at the Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field to face the Pacific Tigers. Game time kicks off at noon.