Appalachian State’s women’s soccer team started off their season with a victory over Eastern Tennessee State University. The Mountaineers beat the Bucs 2-1 in their first season-opening win since 2007.

The Mountaineers started scoring quickly as junior Julia Holz put in their first goal within the first nine minutes of the game with an assist from senior Sam Neill.

Sophomore Kebrina Keys put in the second and final goal for the Mountaineers with an assist from freshman Aubrey Fletcher with just more than two minutes left in the game.

With 15 total shots and seven on goal shots from the team, App State is taking slightly more accurate shots. Last year, the Mountaineers had 42.2 percent of their total shots being on-goal.

ETSU only managed four on-goal shots out of their 14 total.

“Usually we only get like seven shots that was very high for us,” Keys said. “Tonight is really going to help us as the conference starts.”

Both ETSU and App State each had a high number of shots, but even with all of the Bucs’ 14 shots, sophomore goalkeeper Megan Roberson only let four of those get on-goal.

The team’s offense took a huge step forward in the season opener giving the Mountaineers more opportunities than they usually have.

“I can’t remember the last time we had that many offensive opportunities in one game,” Holz said. “I feel really good about the season after today.”

Head coach Sarah Strickland was proud of her returning players and the freshmen for taking home their first win of the season so early.

“The players we have become much more unpredictable and creative and it’s been great,” Strickland said. “Jane Cline made a big impact up top and Jackie Nieradka was fantastic read the ball well was very composed.”

After the game, a short fireworks display from of Keke Wallace with High Country Soccer and App State alumnus David Ledbetter helped celebrate the win.

App State will be back on the field Sunday at 2 p.m. to face off against Austin Peay.

Story: JESS LYONS, Intern Sports Reporter