OXFORD, OHIO -- Appalachian State University field hockey (5-11, 1-4 MAC) notched a second-half goal in a 4-1 defeat at Mid-American Conference leader Miami on Saturday.
Sophomore
Veerle Van Heertum extended her season-long point streak to four games with her fourth assist of the season. Van Heertum delivered a pass to another sophomore,
Abby Merrill, who notched her first goal of the season. The shot came off a Mountaineers' penalty corner in the 49th minute and tightened the scoreline to 2-1.
Merrill's goal was the first score the RedHawks have allowed in MAC competition this season. Miami entered Saturday's contest 4-0 in conference play with a 16-0 scoring margin over conference opponents.
App State's defense frustrated Miami early in the second half, allowing only two RedHawks' shots in the first 20 minutes of the closing period. Miami stretched its advantage back to two goals in the 60th minute, where Morgan Sturm's goal extended the lead to 3-1. Paula Portugal then tacked on another goal with just over five minutes remaining.
Junior
Rachel Gaines earned the start in the goal cage, making seven saves while facing 20 total shots. Five of Gaines' saves came in the first half.
Junior
Ali Williams also recorded a shot on target, extending her streak to four games with at least one shot on goal.
Sophomore
Meghan Smart also returned to the lineup for the first time since Sept. 20 against Longwood.
"She's still getting into the rhythm of her own personal game, but she brings a lot to our team," head coach
Meghan Dawson said. "It's always tough to come back from an injury, and the team is extremely happy to have her back."
Appalachian closes out MAC play Friday at Kent State. The game in Kent, Ohio, is set to start at 2 p.m.
