With the Southern Conference reaching its halfway point, Appalachian State’s women’s soccer team took down Chattanooga in a 5-0 win Friday during their Alumni Weekend Game.
“You really know that there was something before you that you’re honoring,” said Sarah Strickland, head coach of the women’s soccer team. “There are so many people that paved the way before us to get us the facility, to get us a locker room and to get us to the point in the program where we’re at. It was important to honor them today.”
Different players scored all five of the Mountaineers’ goals as they shut down the Mocs’ eight attempts to put away a goal. Over all, the Mountaineers took 18 shots on the Mocs, and their five successful goals made this the highest scoring game for the team in SoCon play.
The Mountaineers (6-5-2, 3-1-2 SoCon) still have half of their conference schedule left to play, but their determination to win has not faltered.
“I just think every game from now on is going to be a battle since we’re in the second half of it,” freshman forward Jane Cline said. “We’re going to have to come out hard no matter what because in the SoCon you never know what can happen.”
Cline and Merlin Beckwith, a sophomore defender who assisted three of the five goals scored by the team against the Mocs, both noticed how well the team is clicking. Beckwith said the team is now playing as a unit and both players notice the team’s strong chemistry.
App State’s sense of unity not only helps their players perform at their best, but it also helps them adapt to the unknown challenges ahead.
“As soon as the SoCon started I felt so a part of the team, and I’ve never felt a part of a team like App is,” Cline said. “Everyone cares about each other, everyone wants everyone to succeed, and I think that’s one of the biggest things that has worked for me. I know people care about me when I’m on the field.”
The Mountaineers fell to the Samford Bulldogs 2-1 on Sunday and will take on Wofford on Friday and Furman the following Sunday.
Story: Jess Lyons, Intern Sports Reporter