Field Hockey Outlasts VCU in Overtime

RICHMOND, VA. - An overtime goal by freshman Meghan Smart helped Appalachian State University field hockey (4-7, 1-3 MAC) secure a 2-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth (8-3, 2-1 A-10) on Sunday afternoon at Cary Street Field.

Appalachian struck its first goal at 21' when Ali Williams sent a pass across the net to Taylor Cimbalist for the senior's seventh goal of the season. 

The Rams would tie the game up at '42 on a penalty corner goal, but App State goalkeeper Rachel Gaines made two second-half saves and Annette Jarosz made a defensive save to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, it took nine minutes before either side was able to get a shot off. Savanna Sheridan had one shot before Smart scored the game winner on a breakaway.

Gaines picked up her fourth victory, amassing five saves. 

App State's overtime triumph is the first since Sept. 14, 2014, when the Mountaineers defeated Davidson, 3-2. Just like today's victory, a freshman scored the game-winning goal: Taylor Cimbalist.

The Mountaineers have a quick turnaround as they prepare to host No. 13 Wake Forest on Wednesday at 7 p.m.