Nov. 15, 2003

Durham, N.C. - The AU Eagles closed out one of the best seasons in school history as they fell to the Duke Blue Devils 3-1 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior goalkeeper Laura Miller (Pennsburg, Pa./Quakertown) finished out her career as an Eagle with an spectacular day in goal making seven saves, including successfully blocking one penalty stroke. "I thought that our team really stepped up against Duke," said AU Head Coach Steve Jennings. "It was a great effort on our part and we just fell short in the end." The Eagles started the first half strong by keeping the Blue Devils out of the goal until the last six minutes when Nicole Dudek was able to slip it past Miller off a penalty corner to put Duke up 1-0 at the end of the half As the Eagles left the first half behind, they were able to step it up and challenge Duke with two beautiful corners early in the second half. After the first corner taken by Javiera Villagra (Santiago Chile, Santiago College) just barely missed the cage, the Eagles quickly rebounded with the second corner that was put in expertly by Maureen Daniel (Clifton, N.Y./Shenendehowa). With an assist from senior Melissa Snyder (Gaithersburg, Md./Quince Orchard) the Eagles and the Blue Devils were tied 1-1. The second half continued with the Eagle defense playing strong and skillful, but unfortunately it was not enough against the second seeded team in the tournament. The Blue Devils were able to score again with 21 minutes left off a penalty corner and once more with 9 minutes left to play to solidify the win 3-1. The AU field hockey team ended its season with a 17-4 overall record and the Patriot League Championship. Being the first field hockey team to advance to the NCAA tournament in school history, the Eagles will look to advance once again next season with another undefeated Patriot League season. Game Summary:
Shots: American 3; Duke: 17
Saves: American 7; Duke: 2
Corners: American 2; Duke: 9