Wildcat Rally Falls Short In NorPac Opener

Friday, September 18

Boone, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College

Appalachian State

Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com

9/18/2009 8:45:49 PM | Field Hockey

By: Mark Brumbaugh

Box Score

BOONE, N.C. – The Davidson field hockey team nearly erased a 3-0 deficit in the second period, but Appalachian State held on for the 3-2 win on Friday night in Kidd Brewer Stadium.

The Wildcats (2-5, 0-1 NorPac East) struggled early, allowing three goals in the first 13 minutes. The score remained the same until sophomore Christine Rua scored for the 'Cats with 21 minutes remaining in the game. Freshman Annie Evans brought Davidson within one by scoring on a penalty stroke with 5:45 remaining, but the Mountaineers (3-4, 1-0 NorPac East) held on for the win.

“We came out flat tonight and were put on our heels right from the start,” said head coach Ginny Sutton. “I was disappointed we couldn't work through the field turf surface better.”

Nicole Morgan scored Appalachian State's first goal at 3:22 into the game. Lisa Charney gave ASU a 2-0 advantage less than two minutes later before Morgan struck again at 13:04 to put the 'Cats in a 3-0 hole.

Davidson was held without a shot until Rua scored her first goal of the season nearly 15 minutes into the second half. Evans' late penalty stroke goal was the second of her career and the first since scoring the overtime game-winner against Georgetown on Sept. 4.

The Wildcats outshot ASU 13-9 for the game. Wildcats goalkeeper Christa Goeke made four saves while Bridgette Street stopped five shots for ASU.

“The second half was a much better team effort and Ru's goal was beautiful,” said Sutton. “We just ran out of time, but I think we will do much better when we face ASU at home in late-October.”

The 'Cats will face a strong challenge on Sunday when they take on third-ranked Wake Forest at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Kentner Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.