BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State University field hockey (4-7, 0-3 MAC) dropped Friday afternoon's match at Adcock Field 1-0 to the visiting Ball State Cardinals.
Redshirt-freshman goalkeeper
Madison Nuckols made her first career start in net for Appalachian, making four stops. Freshman
Brenna Schoenbachler also recorded her second career defensive save in the first half, helping Nuckols keep her clean sheet until overtime.
"Our defense really stepped it up," head coach
Meghan Dawson said. "They did really well at managing the oncoming attack, and they were really composed. We had a lot of good midfield play, but we just couldn't capitalize on the opposite end."
Friday's defensive struggle produced only 13 total shots in regulation. Junior
Ali Williams led the Mountaineers with two shots, one of which was on target.
Freshman
Friederike Stegen had one of Appalachian's best goal-scoring opportunities in the second half. The freshman received the ball at midfield and sprinted to the right of the circle, firing a shot just wide of the Cardinals' goal cage.
Rachel Pereira's penalty stroke goal in overtime broke the scoreless tie. Pereira led Ball State with three shots, all of which were on frame.
Appalachian returns to action Sunday at home against the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils. Game is set to start at 1 p.m.
