BOONE, N.C. – Kicking off a season-high four-game road trip, the App State Mountaineers (8-4, 3-1 MAC) will head to Farmville, Va., to take on the Longwood Lancers (3-11, 1-3 MAC) in a conference bout on Friday. First touch is slated for 5 p.m. and can be streamed on
ESPN+.
The Mountaineers have been road tested this year as they have played all but four games away from Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field in 2023, posting a 6-2 record. In those eight road games, the Mountaineers are averaging 2.5 goals per game.
App State's defense continues to be the story this season as App State posted another good game last Friday against Kent State. The defensive unit is allowing just one goal per game in the eight wins this season, compared to four goals per game in losses. Look for the defense to step up big on Friday.
Fifth-year goalkeeper
Addie Clark was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week after her nine-save performance against Kent State, marking the third time she has been honored in her career. Clark eclipsed the 250 career save mark with her sixth save of the day against Kent State and saved three shots in the shootout period to give App State the win.
Mountaineer freshmen have played big time minutes this season for App State and have delivered when they get opportunities. Coming into Friday's matchup, App State freshmen have accounted for eight of the Mountaineers' 23 goals and eight of the 23 assists this season, which is good for 35% of the total point tally.
The Matchup
- Who: App State at Longwood
- Where: Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field // Farmville, Va.
- When: October 13 // 5 p.m.
Last Time Out
App State beat Kent State in shootouts in their last contest in what was App State's first win in a game decided by shootouts since 2019. Friday's win also marked the first time App State has ever beaten the Golden Flashes in regular season play.
Sophomore
Hadley Kuzmicky scored the Mountaineers' lone goal in regulation as she took a beautiful pass from
Noa Ginjaume Matas and swatted it into the cage. The goal was Kuzmicky's third goal in her last six games.
Bridget Donovan and
Sophia Baxter each scored goals in the shootout period. Baxter, whose goal would prove to be the game-winner, shook the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the cage to send the Mountaineer faithful into a frenzy at Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field.
After Clark allowed a Kent State score on their first shootout attempt, she would thwart the next three to make Baxter's goal stand up and give the Mountaineers a crucial MAC victory.
Scouting the Mountaineers
The Mountaineers have played all but four games this year away from Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field, recording a 6-2 record in those eight games. Coach Dinsmore and the team have adopted a road warrior mentality, as the team has performed to a 2.5 goals-per-game average on the road.
Defense has been the Mountaineers' calling card this season as App State is allowing just one goal per game in wins this season. Coming into play on Friday, the Mountaineers hold the second-lowest opponent goals-per-game average in the MAC, allowing just two goals per game. Look for the defense to play a major role on Friday.
The Mountaineers boast a balanced attack on the offensive front with an impressive 12 players having found the back of the cage this season. Through the team's first 12 games, 15 players have recorded at least one point, while 14 of those 15 players have recorded two or more points.
Charlotte Bosma leads the Mountaineers in goals and points, having nailed four goals and recording 11 points overall.
App State comes into play on Friday leading the MAC in assists with 23.
Sarah Perkins and
Florine Koopman have each dished out four assists while three others have recorded two or more assists.
Scouting the Lancers
Longwood recorded their first conference win this season in their last game as they upended the Ball State Cardinals at home. Overall, the Lancers are 3-11 this year and come into play on Friday having allowed 55 goals, which is the most the MAC.
Ireland McDermott guided the Lancers in their win over Ball State, as she recorded a goal and an assist in the second half. Because of her performance, she was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. McDermott has recorded four points and three assists this season.
Series History
The Mountaineers and Lancers will meet for the 43rd time on Friday, making it the most times App State has squared off against a current MAC opponent. Longwood leads the all-time series 11-31, but App State came away with a 4-0 victory in last year's matchup, which was the first time App State has beaten Longwood since 2018.
Fifth-year forward
Sarah Farrell scored two goals in last year's game against the Lancers, which was her second of three multi-goal games last season. Farrell is the only player on the roster to score a goal against Longwood in her career.
Coach's Thoughts
"Longwood is a competitive team that always plays us tough," head coach
Emily Dinsmore said. "Our focus this week is taking care of the controllables. If we can do that, it will set us up for success as we continue conference play.
Up Next
App State will face another road test as they will head to Charlotte, N.C., to face off with Queens on Sunday. First touch is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be streamed on
Queens Athletics All-Access.
