TOWSON, Md. – The App State Mountaineers defeated the Towson Tigers 7-1 to open the field hockey season on Friday.
The Mountaineers never trailed, tying the Tigers briefly before pulling away.
The seven goals are the most the Mountaineers have scored in a season opener since a 7-1 win against Wake Forest in 1981.
"I'm so proud of the team and how they fought the whole game," said head coach Emily Dinsmore. "Even when we conceded a goal, we scored within two minutes and then scored six unanswered goals. We are excited to carry this momentum into Sunday."
Lise Boekaar was a force all over the field, scoring her first goals of the season and assisting on every other goal against the Tigers. With five assists in the game, Boekaar's career total now stands at 20, moving her to third all-time and passing Bridgette Burkhardt. She needs three more assists to claim the second spot.
It was a flurry of offense to begin and end the game, with the Mountaineers scoring three goals in the first period and four in the final period. App State's defense also held its own, allowing just two shots for the entire game and keeping the Tigers scoreless for the remaining 55 minutes of the contest.
How It Happened
1st: The first period was an offensive show with four combined goals. Boekaar scored the first goal of the season off a penalty corner, assisted by
Samantha Connors and
Hadley Kuzmicky. The Tigers quickly followed with a goal of their own. Less than two minutes later,
Kate Richardson scored her first career goal as a Mountaineer, assisted by Boekaar. Boekaar's second assist came off a penalty corner, setting up
Sophia Baxter for her first goal of the season.
2nd: Both sides were held scoreless. The Mountaineers got five shots, with three requiring a save.
3rd: The Mountaineers kept up the pace, dominating the ball and keeping the Tigers away from scoring positions. App State had five shots in the quarter, one of which was saved by the Towson goalkeeper.
4th: App State opened the period with a goal from Kuzmicky, her first of the season and Boekaar's third assist of the game. A little over a minute later, following a penalty corner, Richardson found the back of the cage for her second goal, and Boekaar recorded her fourth assist. The Mountaineers kept the pressure on, with
Kassie Paul scoring her first goal of the season, and Boekaar notching her fifth assist of the contest. Boekaar also scored her second goal of the game, assisted by
Samantha Connors. The Mountaineers closed out the game with two more corners and six more shots before clinching the first win of the season.
Match Notes
Goals
App: Baxter (1), Boekaar (2), Kuzmicky (1), Paul (1), Richardson (2)
TU: Hunteman (1)
Assists
App: Boekaar (5), Connors (2), Kuzmicky (1)
TU: Matsen (1)
Winning Goalie –
Claire Grenis (1-0): 0 saves, 1 goal allowed
Losing Goalie - Tessa Scheenstra (0-1): 7 saves, 7 goals allowed
Up Next
The Mountaineers will remain in Towson, Md. to take on the Georgetown Hoyas on Sunday. First touch is slated for 3 p.m. at the TU Field Hockey Complex.
