Sept 17,2002 Online Since 1996 Vol 77 No. 6
Mountaineers adapt to life without senior quarterback Joe Burchette Jennifer Brannock
Staff Writer
   Despite the temporary loss of starting quarterback senior Joe Burchette, Appalachian State University head football coach Jerry Moore is optimistic about his team’s performance this season.
   Obvious concern has been voiced regarding the momentary absence of Burchette, who is recovering from recent back surgery, and how his injury will affect the team. Burchette is a fifth year senior who has started at quarterback since mid-season in 2000 and has led the Mountaineers to a 4-2 record in the I-AA playoffs.
Mountaineers slide by Miami University with 2-1 victory Jennifer Brannock
Sports Beat
   The Appalachian State University field hockey team secured their second win of the season against the Miami University RedHawks 2-1 with a dramatic conclusion Friday evening at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
   It was a cool, clear Friday the 13th, but their was no bad luck to be had for the Mountaineers, led by junior Nara Brookes, who scored both goals for Appalachian in their hard fought victory.
    Both Miami and Appalachian put up a tough defensive front, keeping the offensive drives to a minimum. Appalachian goalkeeper, senior Amy Sarno, was able to make six saves, while Miami goalkeeper, sophomore Kerri Orr, saved eight shots.
    Brookes put the Mountaineers on the board first, scoring her second goal of the season unassisted against Orr. Brookes’ shot from about five yards out sailed beyond Orr’s reach, giving the Mountaineers an early lead 18 minutes into the game.
    At the conclusion of the first half, the Mountaineers had outshot the RedHawks 9-2, and they entered the second half with a nervous 1-0 lead.
    The RedHawks came out firing in the second half and managed to tie the game 12 minutes in when freshman Jessica Sailing, assisted by freshman Lindi Bortnik, scored from just outside the cage. Sarno had saved a previous goal attempt, but was unable to recover in time to save Sailing’s shot.
    Miami’s offense continued their attacks, but Sarno held the RedHawks off, blocking four goal attempts in the second half.
    Appalachian’s big break came when the Mountaineers were awarded two penalty corners near the end of the game.
    The RedHawk defense held strong, but was unable to clear the ball away with only one minute left in the game. Brookes took advantage of the opening and flipped the ball just over Orr’s shoulder with 59 seconds remaining.
    Brookes’ shot put the Mountaineers ahead 2-1, and the Appalachian defense was able to stall play until the game’s conclusion, capping a suspenseful contest between the two teams.
    The Mountaineers also played in their first NorPac match against Radford on Sunday at 3 p.m.
    The field hockey team will return to Appalachian for their next home game on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. against Louisville at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
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