HARRISONBURG, Va. — Despite a second-quarter equalizer from Kassie Paul for her first goal of the season, the App State field hockey team fell 2-1 to James Madison on Friday at the JMU Field Hockey Complex.

Paul converted off an assist from Sophia Baxter to level the match before halftime for the Mountaineers (8-8, 4-4 MAC). App State appeared to take the lead in the third quarter on a goal by Sarah Callery, but the score was overturned following official review. The Dukes (8-6, 7-1 MAC) capitalized in the final frame, scoring the game-winner with under 12 minutes remaining in regulation.

How It Happened
1st: The Mountaineers came out aggressive, earning two penalty corners and firing two shots in the opening frame. Despite generating early pressure, App State was unable to find the back of the cage, sending the contest into the second period tied 0-0.

2nd: James Madison broke the scoreless draw with under 10 minutes remaining in the frame to take a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, Baxter sent a pass into the scoring circle to Paul, who lofted a shot into the top of the cage past the JMU goalkeeper to tie the game at 1-1 entering halftime.

3rd: App State maintained pressure in the third frame, earning two penalty corners and recording a shot. Callery found the back of the cage for what appeared to be the go-ahead goal, but the play was overturned following an official review. Senior goalkeeper Dakota Anderson logged her second save of the contest to keep the match tied at 1-1 entering the final period.

4th: James Madison answered early in the final frame, scoring the go-ahead goal with under 12 minutes remaining in regulation to secure the 2-1 victory over App State.

Match Notes
Goals: App State: Paul (1) | JMU: Covarrubias (1), Smit (1)
Assists: App State: Baxter (1) | JMU: Covarrubias (1), Smit (1)
Winning Goalkeeper: Lilly Sweeney (8-6) — 0 saves, 1 goal allowed
Losing Goalkeeper: Dakota Anderson (8-8) — 2 saves, 2 goals allowed

Up Next
The Mountaineers will return to the High Country for the final two games of the season, taking on No. 9 North Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. before closing out the season on Senior Day against Longwood on Friday at 4 p.m.

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