Sophomore Jessie Harris notched three shots and one assist on the day for ASU. (Photo: Holt Menzies, The Appalachian) Game statistics

Mountaineers Drop Nail-Biter to Longwood
by Appalachian Sports Information

October 21 - BOONE, N.C.- On a beautiful fall afternoon, Appalachian field hockey honored its three seniors on Senior Day and faced a challenging opponent in Longwood. The game went down to the wire, but ASU came up just short, losing 2-1. With this loss the Apps fall to 3-14, while the Lancers improve to 6-13.

The Mountaineers came out strong early and dominated the entire first half. Just thirteen minutes into the match, freshman Christine Zanowicz notched her first goal of the season off an assist from sophomore Jessie Harris to give Appalachian the 1-0 go ahead.

ASU held on to its lead heading into the half.

The second period was well played by both teams, but the Lancers were able to find a hole in the Mountaineers defense in the 50th minute of play. Longwood forwards Lauren Sullivan got past an Appalachian defender and scored on a breakaway to tie the game at one apiece.

Less than six minutes later, Longwood scored again, off a hard shot from the top of the circle, to take the 2-1 lead.

Appalachian tried to rally and had several opportunities on goal, but each came up short, and the Lancers ended up victorious, winning 2-1.

The Mountaineers put forth a total team effort as Jess Harris recorded three shots and one assist on the day, while freshman teammate, Christine Zanowicz came up big for the Apps, notching five shots, all on goal and one goal. Also keeping busy on the offensive front were the three Appalachian seniors. Ali Gradischer, Jess Harris and Alicia Larkins who all had shots on goal.

Defensively, Denise Adams was strong in goal, posting 12 saves on the day, two more than Lancer goal keeper Avanell Schmitz.

Appalachian will finish its regular season play on Wednesday October 24 as they head to Davidson,N.C., to take on the Wildcats at 7 p.m.