BOONE, N.C. — The App State field hockey team dropped its penultimate regular-season contest on Sunday afternoon, falling 5-0 to No. 9 North Carolina.

Senior goalkeeper Dakota Anderson anchored the Mountaineers (8-9, 4-4 MAC) in the cage, registering 15 saves against the Tar Heels (10-6, 5-2 ACC). The performance marked Anderson's fifth double-digit save outing of the 2026 season.

How It Happened
1st: The Tar Heels came out aggressive in the opening frame, generating five penalty corners and scoring three early goals. Anderson turned away three shots in the period to keep App State within reach entering the second frame.

2nd: App State settled in defensively during the second period, limiting North Carolina to a single penalty corner. Anderson logged one save in the frame as the Mountaineers carried a 3-0 deficit into the halftime intermission.

3rd: Anderson kept the Tar Heels off the scoreboard in the third quarter, stopping all three shots on goal despite facing four UNC penalty corners. App State recorded a shot on the opposite end but was unable to break through, keeping the score 3-0 entering the final frame.

4th: North Carolina capitalized on four fourth-quarter penalty corners to add two late insurance goals. Anderson logged six saves in the final frame to finish with 15 on the day as the Mountaineers ultimately fell 5-0.

Match Notes
Goals: App State: N/A | UNC: Anetsberger (2), Courtright (1), Heck (1), Pottebaum (1)
Assists: App State: N/A | UNC: Anetsberger (1), Bruning (1), Ferri (1), Mendez (1)
Winning Goalkeeper: Tessa Shahbo (2-1) — 2 saves, 0 goals allowed
Losing Goalkeeper: Dakota Anderson (8-9) — 15 saves, 5 goals allowed

Up Next
The Mountaineers will remain in the High Country for the regular season finale against Longwood on Friday for Senior Day at 4 p.m.

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