BOONE, N.C. — Despite a rousing comeback from the Bellarmine field hockey team on Friday night, the Knights came up just short of their third straight win at Appalachian State.
Down 0-2 at halftime, Bellarmine (3-9, 2-2 MAC) scored twice in the second half to force overtime, eventually falling to Appalachian State (6-5, 2-2 MAC) 3-2 in double OT.
The home team started very quickly, getting goals from Sarah Farrell at the 12-minute mark and in the 23
rd minute. The Mountaineers out-shot Bellarmine 7-2 and were in control of the match.
Bellarmine, however, rallied in the third quarter, starting with
Anna Crump's third goal of the season. She cut the deficit in half eight minutes into the third frame, and the Bellarmine offensive pressure followed.
BU finally broke through for the tying goal with under six minutes to play –
Julia Doornebos took a pass from fellow Netherlands native
Marit van der Bend and scored her third goal of the season to knot the game 2-2. The assist was van der Bend's fourth this year, which is tied for th team lead.
Bellarmine earned a late penalty corner with 15 seconds remaining, but the Knights were unable to cash in and the match proceeded to overtime. In the initial extra period, neither team generated a penalty corner and App State out-shot Bellarmine 2-1. The Mountaineers again out-shot Bellarmine in the second overtime, and their last shot proved to be the game-winner. With under four minutes to play in double OT, Charlotte Bosma scored to end the match and give App State the victory.
For the game, Appalachian State had a 16-8 edge in shots but shots on goal were even 7-7. Corners were even as well at 5-5. The offense was balanced for both teams, with no player for either team shooting more than three times.
In goal,
Danni Swallow made four saves for the Knights, while Addie Clark collected five saves for App State.
Even with the loss, Bellarmine's defense continues to be strong over the past few weeks, not allowing more than three goals in a match since Sept. 11 at Indiana.
The Knights stay in North Carolina this weekend for a Sunday match at Davidson. Start time is scheduled
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