Savannah Graybill tallied a goal in the 67th minute to even the score at one but Meghan Beamesderfer put Iowa over the top in the 70th minute as the Hawkeyes stole a victory from the American University field hockey team, 2-1, Saturday afternoon on Jacobs Field.

Iowa (8-9, 3-3) controlled play for nearly the entire first half, maintaining possession of the ball in its offensive end of the pitch and keeping the American (8-8, 3-1) defense on its heels for much of the first 35 minutes. Despite being packed back in their own zone, the Eagles stood strong led by two Alyssa Poorman saves in the cage to send the game into the halftime intermission tied 0-0.

American came out as the aggressor in the second half, pushing the ball down the field into the Iowa zone. The Eagles, however, were unable to capitalize early in the frame despite attempting four shots within a three-plus minute span. Iowa regained its composure midway through the half and in the 51st minute put the first score on the board. Sarah Drake was credited with the goal, corralling a loose ball after Tricia Dean's attempt was blocked and tapping it in at the right post.

The Eagles finally broke through with 3:01 left in regulation off a penalty corner as Anne-Meike de Wiljes sent a hard low shot towards the cage. Graybill, who was positioned in front of the cage, made a diving deflection of de Wiljes's shot that went to the top of the cage, evening the score at 1-1

The tie was short-lived, however, as the Hakweyes scored the game-winner with less than a minute to play in regulation. Beamesderfer found the back of the cage with a one-timer from the top of the circle off a penalty corner, putting the Hawkeyes up by the final margin of 2-1.

“It was a well fought contest today between two very strong teams,” Head Coach Steve Jennings commented following the game. “Iowa definitely had more pressure on us in the first period but our team responded in the second half and pulled the momentum our way. We scored a great goal to tie it but give credit to the Hawkeyes as they found a way to make a play in the last minute to take the game.”

Graybill's goal was the 38th of her career, moving her three tallies shy of fifth place on American's all-time goals list. De Wiljes, meanwhile, moved into eighth place on American's career assists list and ninth place on the Patriot League list with the 27th helper of her career. Melissa Casale led the Eagles with three shots on the afternoon while Anne van Erp attempted two. Poorman recorded three saves in goal against eight Iowa shots.

American will return to Jacobs Field tomorrow, Sunday, November 1, against Lehigh at 2 p.m. With a win, the Eagles will clinch the 2009 Patriot League Regular Season Championship and the right to host the conference tournament next weekend. Prior to the game, American will celebrate Senior Day for its six graduating seniors: Carly Boyce, Rachel Carney, de Wiljes, Graybill, Poorman and Emily Stovicek. The game can be seen live on the new Eagles Vision TV channel, featuring multiple camera angles, a live scoreboard and analysis from a studio broadcast team and sideline reporters. To sign up for Eagles Vision TV today, click here.