Final Stats

EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette field hockey team returned from a three-game road trip and was defeated 2-1 by No. 20 American in a Patriot League contest on Saturday afternoon at Rappolt Field.

The Eagles (9-4, 4-0 PL) poured on the shots and finished with 22, compared to the Leopards nine. However, the Lafayette (7-6, 2-2 PL) defense was able to limit the Eagles to just two goals over 87 minutes.

"Today was a good battle against a very strong team," Lafayette head field hockey coach Jennifer Stone said. "Both teams had chances and it's unfortunate for us that the last chance fell to them."

American placed two early shots on the Leopards' cage, but both were denied. The first was sent away by Cody Hunsicker, who stepped in front of the cage and blocked the ball, while the second was swatted away by Katelyn Arnold.

The Leopards came up short on their first shot on goal, but got the ball back and earned a penalty corner in the sixth minute. Ellen Colbourne inserted the ball into the circle to Ami Turner and she set up Amanda Magadan for the score to put the Leopards up 1-0.

American went on to put four more shots on goal in the half and Arnold denied them all to preserve the Lafayette lead.

To begin the second half, the Eagles placed an early shot on goal. Arnold dove and missed, but Hunsicker stepped in once again and picked up her second defensive save of the afternoon.

In the 43rd minute, American was awarded a penalty corner. Angela Virtu hit the ball deep into the circle, where it was deflected into the top of the cage by Natalie Marsh to even up the score.

For the remaining 32 minutes of regulation, each team was only able to place one shot on goal and both were saved, forcing an overtime period.

In the first overtime, the Eagles started with the ball and immediately took a shot towards the Leopards' cage, but it was sent away by Arnold.

Possession changed numerous times the rest of the period without many scoring opportunities for either end. However, in the 81st minute, freshman Rosa Jonckheer found space and sent the ball at the cage, but it was saved by Marua Jacobs.

The game headed into a second overtime and just over one minute into the period, Samantha McCormick found Lucy Whalley near the middle of the circle and she shot the ball into the right side of the cage for the game winner.

The Leopards will be back in action tomorrow to host James Madison at 2 p.m. at Rappolt Field.