Cimbalist, Smart Lead Mountaineers to First MAC Victory

BOONE N.C. - Appalachian State University field hockey (3-6, 1-2 MAC) picked up its first Mid-American Conference win behind a two-goal performance from senior Taylor Cimbalist. Freshman Meghan Smart also tallied a goal en route to a 3-2 victory over the Ohio Bobcats (1-8, 0-2 MAC).

Just over one minute into the game, App State received its first of three penalty corners in the first half. Cimbalist took the corner before positioning herself right in front of the goal. The senior midfielder received a pass from freshman Veerle Van Heertum that she deflected in for her fifth goal of the season. The Bobcats would respond four minutes later when Kennedy Farr found Karynne Baker on a sprint towards the net.

It seemed that the score would remain tied going into halftime, until Cimbalist scored an unassisted goal with 36 seconds remaining in the half to give the Mountaineers a 2-1 advantage.

In the second period, Smart pushed the App State lead to two in the 42nd minute on her second goal of the season. Just three minutes later, Ohio would respond with another goal, making the score 3-2. 

Over the final 25 minutes of play, Rachel Gaines made two huge saves to preserve the Mountaineer lead and secure her third win of the season. 

OFFENSE
Ohio held the advantage in shots (13-7), but App State had a six-to-five advantage in shots on goal. Both teams had three penalty corners. With two goals in tonight's match, Cimbalist brings her season total to six goals.

DEFENSE
Gaines made three saves in her 70:00 minutes between the posts bringing her season total to 66 saves.

UP NEXT
The Mountaineers will hit the road for their next two games beginning with a MAC matchup at Longwood on Sept. 30. The following day, Oct. 1, App State will travel to Richmond, Virginia, to face VCU.