Sept. 18, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Junior Shannon Goans' (Ellicott City, Md./River Hill) goal at the 31 minute mark of the first half was all American needed to defeat the 11th ranked Richmond Spiders at home on Saturday.

With just under four minutes remaining in the first half, sophomore forward Heidi Hershberger (Davis, Calif./Davis) pass the ball across the net to Goans who found herself with a wide-open net to deposit the ball in, giving AU a 1-0 lead. Coming out of halftime, the Eagles' persistent attack paid off again when forward Camila Infante (Santiago, Chile/Santiago College) took a pass from Maureen Daniel (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa)and beat Spider goalie Michelle Swartz to give American a 2-0 lead. Goans was also credited with an assist on the play.

American goaltender Allison Fayfich (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) had a tremendous day in goal for the Eagles, stopping key shots when the team needed them most. With 20 minutes left in the game Richmond's offense kicked into high gear, applying more pressure and producing a slew of scoring chances but Fayfich and the AU defenders would not give way. The sophomore goaltender finished with five saves, four of which came in later part of the second half. Richmond held a 13-11 advantage in shots, nine of which came in the final frame. AU garnered six penalty corners to Richmonds' four in the contest.

"This is a real big win for us," said American head coach Steve Jennings. "We came out to play today and wanted the win more than the other team and it paid off for us. I feel that we played our best hockey of the season so far."

American University will take the field again on Friday, Sept. 25 at home against Patriot League opponent Bucknell at 11 a.m.