Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Lafayette field hockey team played American in a hotly contested game Saturday afternoon, but two second half goals from the Eagles proved to be too much for the Leopards to overcome, as American held on to win 3-1.

The loss brings the Maroon and White's record to 6-9 overall and 2-3 in conference play. American improves to 12-4 overall with a 5-1 mark in the Patriot League.

Both teams had a feeling out period in the early part of the match, as the first shot of the day didn't come until the 13th minute as American sent one high over the Leopards' cage. Lafayette threatened in the 19th minute on its first corner opportunity. Ellen Colbourne inserted the ball into the circle and Lisa van der Geest sent a rocket on target, but her effort was turned away.

The Eagles opened the scoring in the 28th minute, as they were able to catch the Leopards on a quick counter. Jette Dieckmann received a long outlet pass and was able to slot it past Lafayette keeper Sarah Park to give American a 1-0 lead heading into the half.

Lafayette wasted little time in answering, as van der Geest grabbed her second goal of the season one minute into the second half. The Leopards were able to take advantage of a penalty corner opportunity, as Colbourne played the ball into Rosie Shanks who set it up perfectly for van der Geest to fire her shot on target. The sophomore made no mistake, firing a laser into the back of the cage to tie it at 1-1.

The score remained knotted at 1-1 until the 52nd minute, when American was able to break the deadlock to take a 2-1 lead. The Eagles added another three minutes later, this time after being awarded a penalty stroke opportunity.

Trailing by two, the Leopards called timeout in the 59th minute and came out flying after the break in play. The Maroon and White earned three straight corner opportunities, but van der Geest and Cody Hunsicker each had their attempts blocked. The Leopards weren't able to generate chances after that rally, as American buckled down to hold on for the 3-1 win.

Shots were tied at 8-8, while the Leopards doubled American's corner count, ending the game with a 6-3 advantage. Sarah Park finished with two saves for Lafayette.

The Leopards return home on Monday to host Quinnipiac in a non-conference battle at 6 p.m.