Mountaineers Drop Opening MAC Contest at Ohio

ATHENS, OHIO -- Appalachian State University field hockey (4-4, 0-1 MAC) suffered a 1-0 setback to Ohio in its opening Mid-American Conference game of 2018.

The Mountaineers shut down the Bobcats' offense in the first half, taking a 0-0 scoreline into the break. Junior goalkeeper Rachel Gaines made a save on an Ohio (2-4, 1-0) penalty stroke early in the half. She finished the period with three saves. 

The Bobcats broke the scoreless tie with a goal from Jillian Shive in the 50^th minute. The Black and Gold applied pressure in the second half, outshooting the Bobcats 6-5. 

With less than five minutes remaining, head coach Meghan Dawson called a timeout and pulled Gaines. Freshman Friederike Stegen produced a goal-scoring opportunity in the game's final minute, but Ohio goalkeeper Alex Pennington denied Stegen's chance.

Sophomore Veerle Van Heertum led the team with four shots, two of which ended up on goal. Stegen recorded two shots, while junior Ali Williams and sophomore Meghan Smart notched one shot each. 

Gaines finished the game with six saves, making three in each half. 

The Mountaineers return home to Adcock Field Thursday when they host MAC opponent Longwood at 6:30 p.m.