BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State University field hockey (1-0) shut out the Towson Tigers (0-1) 2-0 in its season opener at Adcock Field on Friday night.
Freshman
Fredi Stegen opened her Mountaineers' career with App's first goal of the season, putting Appalachian up 1-0 near the end of the first half. Sophomore
Chloe Bell then doubled the lead in the second half, utilizing an impressive deke before smashing the ball into the back of the goal cage. Fellow sophomore
Meghan Smart assisted the second goal with a pinpointed pass from midfield.
Goalkeeper
Rachel Gaines and the Mountaineers' defense withstood eight Towson shots, helping secure the shutout victory. Gaines made four saves, which included a diving effort to preserve the 2-0 lead late in the second half.
"We played really well," head coach
Meghan Dawson said. "With Rachel in goal and our back-three this time they were really calm and composed. They tried to not even let the ball get into the 25 and that was really important for our team and our development."
All seven shots for the Black and Gold came from underclassmen with Smart and freshman
Sydney Lee joining the two goalscorers in attempts. Appalachian's starting lineup featured seven underclassmen, highlighting the team's young talent.
The Mountaineers will look to move to 2-0 when they host the Georgetown Hoyas (1-0) on Sunday at noon.
