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RADFORD, VA.  – First half goals by sophomore Hannah Duff and senior Annabel Bergin, along with six saves by freshman Katie McCormick keyed Radford women's soccer to a 2-1 victory over Appalachian State in its final non-conference contest on Sunday afternoon at Cupp Stadium.
 
Duff and Bergin scored nine minutes apart midway through the first half and McCormick made four of her six saves for the 2-0 advantage after 45 minutes of play. The Mountaineers (3-6-0) came out strong in the second half, cutting the lead to 2-1 on an Erin Settle goal just five minutes in. The Highlanders (3-4-1) rebounded from the blow and were able to hold off a very physical App State squad and prevent the equalizer and earn their third victory in the last four games.

"It was great to take matters into our own hands and score two great goals early," said head coach Ben Sohrabi. "In the second half, I thought we put together a gritty performance to finish the game off."
 
Duff opened the scoring and netted her first collegiate goal in the 19th minute when she headed home a far post corner kick from freshman Jordan Lundin, who earned her first career assist on the stellar service.
 
Just under nine minutes later, sophomore Britney Kendall made a nice run to the endline and found Bergin alone at the top of six. The senior blasted home a one-timer (28') right down broadway to right of the App State keeper. The game-winning strike was Bergin's first goal of the season and fourth of her career.
 
The Mountaineer had four quality chances to get on the board in the first stanza, three of which were stopped by McCormick. Minutes before Bergin's goal Julia Holz had back-to-back scoring chances, but McCormick came up big, making two point-blank saves, including a great reaction stop on the rebound. Less than a minute after the second goal, Merlin Beckworth cranked a long range shot off the crossbar. Finally, McCormick saved her best for last as she just got her hand on a ball rolling toward the far post that came off the foot of Settle in the 40th minute.

The Highlanders were out shot, 17-11, with four different players charting two shots. The Mountaineers held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. App State's Holz led all players on the pitch with five shots, three on target, while Mountaineer keeper Megan Roberson made three saves.
 
Radford opens Big South play on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Presbyterian. The Highlanders and Blue Hose kick off at 7:00 p.m.