BOONE, N.C. — Behind the first career hat trick from Sophia Baxter and a multi-goal performance from Chloe Hook, the App State field hockey team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 5-0 shutout victory over Central Michigan on Friday.

Baxter anchored the offensive surge for the Mountaineers (7-7, 3-3 MAC), converting on a penalty corner, a penalty stroke and a solo run past the 25-yard line. Hook, the team's leading scorer, added two goals to bring her season total to eight, while senior goalkeeper Dakota Anderson recorded four saves to secure her fifth shutout of the season.

How It Happened
1st: The Mountaineers struck early, taking the lead less than two minutes into the contest. Off a shared period of possession, Chloe Hook found the back of the cage on an assist from her twin sister, Morgan Hook. App State held firm defensively to carry a 1-0 advantage into the second frame.

2nd: Central Michigan (4-11, 2-4 MAC) applied pressure in the second period, earning two penalty corners. The App State defense, anchored by Anderson, thwarted both set-piece opportunities. Despite forcing a save on the opposite end, the Mountaineers entered halftime with their 1-0 lead intact.

3rd: App State blew the game open after the intermission, pouring in three goals in the third frame. Kassie Paul initiated the scoring streak with an entry pass from outside the circle, which Chloe Hook tipped past the goalkeeper to double the advantage. Baxter then took over, driving past the 25-yard line unassisted to slot home her first goal of the day. Late in the period, App State drew a penalty stroke, which Baxter converted to build a 4-0 cushion heading into the final period.

4th: The Mountaineers maintained momentum in the fourth, generating two penalty corners. Baxter completed her hat trick on a set piece, converting off assists from Madie Baker and Carlotta Fabian. Anderson turned away three shots in the final frame to seal the 5-0 victory.

Match Notes
Goals: App State: Baxter (3), Hook (2) | CMU: N/A
Assists: App State: Baker (1), Fabian (1), Hook (1), Paul (1) | CMU: N/A
Winning Goalkeeper: Dakota Anderson (7-7) — 4 saves, 0 goals allowed
Losing Goalkeeper: Jenna Billig (4-11) — 3 saves, 4 goals allowed

Up Next
The Mountaineers will continue conference play on the road, taking on Kent State on Sunday at noon.

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