Aug. 29, 2010
Final Stats
FARMVILLE, VA. - Every player dreams of scoring a goal on their birthday. Jenn Reich is one of the few who can actually say her dream came true. Reich celebrated her 20th birthday by scoring the Saints' first goal of the season, but it was one of only a few bright spots as Siena Field Hockey dropped its season opener to Appalachian State, 7-1.
"It was our first game, we played all five freshmen and tried a number of different looks," reflected head coach Bill Davidson. "We got the jitters out in the first 20 minutes and unfortunately it led to a few goals, but we battled the whole game."
Siena (0-1) controlled the tempo early on, creating several chances within the Appalachian State (2-0) defensive circle. But as would become a theme for the game, the Saints struggled to connect on passes in close and had a number of bad bounces of the ball that limited legitimate scoring opportunities.
The Mountaineers took advantage on their few first half chances, scoring three goals off odd-man rushes. Although both teams had a nearly equal timeshare on possession, Appalachian State was more precise with their attacks which ultimately led to six different players accounting for their seven goals.
Kelsey Dorset led the Mountaineers with five points including a pair of goals, while Caitlin Counts added four.
But as Davidson noted, the team never gave up. Even down seven goals in the waning moments, the Saints battled hard to get on the board. With 5:45 remaining, Reich cashed in.
Olivia Whelly created the score, making a nice rush down the right side of the circle. She fired a pass across the crease that just knicked off of Reich's out-stretched stick and re-directed into the far side of the cage.
"It (the goal) was wonderful," said Davidson. "Who could ask for anything more then to play at this level and score a goal on your birthday."
It was not the only bright spot however for the Saints. Goalies Alison Baillargeon and Beth Meyers, who each entered the game having never played a collegiate minute in goal, both made key saves. Freshmen Cory dela Gorgendiere and Michaela Sullivan each started up front and combined for five of the Saints' eight shots on goal.
Appalachian State finished with a 22-10 edge in shots and 6-2 advantage in short corners.
The Saints continue their three-game season opening road trip right back here Tuesday in Farmville. Siena battles host Longwood in a 3 p.m. tilt.
Notes: Sunday's game was the first-ever game the Saints have played in the state of Virginia...This was the Saints' first meeting with Appalachian State since 2005 and with the loss dropped to 1-3 all-time against the Mountaineers...Whelly recorded an assist on the Saints' first goal of the season for a second straight year...All three of Reich's career goals have come on the road...Siena will be in search of its first non-conference road win since joining the Northeast Conference Tuesday against Longwood...The Saints dropped a heartbreaker last year to Longwood, losing 3-2 in the final second of overtime.
