By Davis Gregory, UT Martin Sports Information
MARTIN, Tenn.- The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team fought hard this evening but Appalachian State came out victorious in the Skyhawks’ home opener, 2-0.
Both UT Martin and the Mountaineers (2-1) endured scolding temperatures with the heat index in the high 90’s throughout the night.
Defending Ohio Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Week Poppy Bastock was tested early but made four saves in the match. Offensively, Rachel Okoro had a shot on goal attempt while Catey Hunt also tallied a shot but a pair of second half goals by App State proved to be the difference.
Hunt and Shayla Addington each logged the full 90 minutes defensively while Gwen Walters played all 90 minutes out of the forward position for the Skyhawks (1-1). Nine UT Martin freshmen got to see their first action on the home pitch, combining for a total of 348 minutes of playing time.
Both nets remained empty through 45 minutes as the match was scoreless at the halftime break. App State then struck twice in the span of seven minutes early in the second half. Izzi Wood snuck a shot by Bastock to start the scoring in the 49th minute. Stephanie Barbosa then followed with a goal from outside the penalty box in the 56th minute.
The Skyhawks will look to bounce back strong on Sunday, Aug. 27 when they host Western Carolina at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
