Mountaineers Defeat Ball State on Senior Day

BOONE, N.C. – The App State field hockey team defeated the Ball State Cardinals by a score of 3-1.
 
The Mountaineers (8-6, 5-1 MAC) came into today's matchup after previously falling to North Carolina, and with today's win against Ball State (3-9, 2-3 MAC), the Mountaineers have clinched a spot in the 2024 MAC Field Hockey Tournament.
 
Henriette Stegen, Kassie Paul and Bridget Donovan all found the back of the cage in today's matchup, helping improve the home record to 5-2.  
 
How it Happened
 
1st: The game began tight for both teams, but a Stegen goal from a Boekaar pass gave the Mountaineers an early lead in the contest. Neither team forced a corner in the period, both having ample possession in the midfield. Nearing the end of the period, Paul found the back of the cage for her second goal of the season, giving the Mountaineers a 2-0 lead going into the second.

2nd: It was more offensive pressure from the Mountaineers, as they force two saves from Ball State goalkeeper Hannah Johnston in the period. Ball State scored their lone goal of the game at the tail end of the second period, capitalizing off their only penalty corner of the period. The Mountaineers led the Cardinals 2-1 going into the halftime break.

3^rd: It was all App State in the third, dominating a bulk of the possession the period. The Mountaineers forced three saves from Johnston, along with forcing three corners in the period. Both teams were held scoreless in the third, with the Mountaineers maintaining their one goal lead going into the final period.
 
4^th: The fourth period was more of the same for App State, forcing two corners in the period and testing the Ball State goalkeeper twice. Bridget Donovan found the back of the cage for the third time this season, giving the Mountaineers a two-goal cushion as they finish out the game. App State eventually defeated Ball State by a score of 3-1.  
 
Match Notes
Goals
App: Stegen (4), Paul (2), Donovan (3)
BSU: Summit (1)
 
Assists
App: Boekaar (7)
BSU: N/A
 
Winning Goalie – Claire Grenis (8-6): 1 save, 1 goal allowed  
Losing Goalie – Hannah Johnston (3-9): 7 saves, 3 goals allowed 
 
Up Next
The Mountaineers will stay in Boone to face off against conference opponent Longwood on Friday. First touch is slated for 6 p.m.