Box Score 

WASHINGTON - The American University field hockey team stormed back from a 2-1 halftime deficit to claim its sixth-consecutive Patriot League Championship Saturday with a 5-2 win over Bucknell. Tournament MVP Christine Fingerhuth evened the score at two early in the second half with her first goal of the tournament and junior Savannah Graybill put the Eagles on top for good, 3-2, with a tally 53 seconds later.

"I want to congratulate Bucknell for an amazing season," Head Coach Steve Jennings said. "They played a huge game and pushed us a lot as we went into the half. In the second half our team played tremendous hockey. We went after everything and scored some quality goals to come back and win the championship. I couldn't be prouder of our team."

Bucknell was first to get on the scoreboard with a goal at 16:50 in the first half, putting the Eagles behind for the first time this season against a conference opponent. The Bison goal was scored by Morgan Kauffman who received a long hit from the right sideline at the top of the circle and put the ball past Eagles goalkeeper Alyssa Poorman. AU responded eight minutes later as Natalie Ellenberger gt; picked up a loose ball off a penalty corner and put it in the back of the net to even the score, 1-1. Ellenberger inserted the corner for the Eagles to Anne-Meike De Wiljes who passed off to Irene Schickhardt. A Bison defender forced a scramble for the ball in front of the net before Ellenberger gained control of it and scored.

The Bison retook the lead, 2-1, at 31:52 as Amanda Faust scored on a one-timer from the top of the circle off a penalty corner. Bucknell would retain its lead heading into the half despite being outshot by the Eagles 6-2 and AU holding a 4-1 advantage in penalty corners.

American quickly tied the game in the opening minutes of the second half as Fingerhuth scored the equalizer on a deflection of a Schickhardt blast. Schickhardt's shot from the right of the circle appeared to be heading wide of the goal before a diving Fingerhuth was able to redirect the ball into the net at 39:36. AU took its first lead of the game 53 seconds later as the Eagles gained control of the ball after the restart and earned a penalty corner. Off the insertion, Schickhardt took a shot from the top of the circle which was blocked by a Bison defender. Graybill came away with the loose ball in front of the net and put the Eagles on top, 3-2.

AU continued to put pressure on the Bison as the half wore on and added two insurance goals midway through the frame. The first of these goals came at 52:03 as Jesika Pufnock put a shot on goal from the left baseline which was saved. Sarah Zargarpour, who entered the game in goal for Bucknell at the half, was unable to clear the ball and Megan Henry was in position for the rebound and the goal. Anne van Erp added the Eagles fifth goal of the game less than two minutes later off a penalty corner. Van Erp inserted the corner for AU to DeWiljes who left the ball at the top of the circle for Schickhardt. Schickhardt took a shot which was heading wide left before Van Erp redirected it for the goal, putting American ahead by the final margin, 5-2.

The Eagles defense preserved the win down the stretch, negating several Bucknell opportunities inside its circle. Tatum Dyer played a key role in AU's defensive stand as she forced three Bison turnovers late.

American finished the game with a 15-5 advantage in shots and a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners. Poorman was credited with three saves as she recorded her 12th win of the season.

Fingerhuth, who was instrumental in both AU wins over the weekend, was named the PL Tournament MVP following the game. She was joined on the PL All-Tournament Team by Graybill, Schickhardt and Van Erp.

American will now host Northeast Conference Champion Lock Haven in the NCAA Play-In Game this Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. The winner of this game will advance to the NCAA Tournament which begins Saturday, Nov. 15.

PL Tournament MVP
Christine Fingerhuth, American

PL All-Tournament Team
Christine Fingerhuth, American
Savannah Graybill, American
Irene Schickhardt, American
Anne van Erp, American
Trina Boyer, Bucknell
Amanda Faust, Bucknell
Morgan Kauffman, Bucknell
Katelyn Nerbonne, Colgate
Laura Flisnik, Colgate
Maggie Condon, Lafayette
Jackie DiSanit, Lafayette