The No. 14 American University field hockey team dropped its season opener to Indiana on Friday, 2-1 in Richmond, Va. Junior Christine Fingerhuth scored American's lone goal in the contest but it was not enough as Indiana negated several second-half opportunities for the Eagles to hold on for the win.

It was the Hoosiers (1-0) who struck first as Morgan Fleetwood picked up her own rebound off a penalty corner and beat American (0-1) goalkeeper Alyssa Poorman to take a 1-0 lead just over five minutes in. American took control of the game's tempo after Fleetwood's tally but Indiana's defense held strong and prevented the Eagles from getting any penetration inside the striking circle. Indiana would later take a 2-0 advantage at the 25:25 mark as Shareyna Chang deflected a ball from Fleetwood into the back corner of the goal.

American's best opportunity of the half came at the 35 minute mark as Anne van Erp put a shot on goal off a penalty corner. Indiana goalkeeper Alex Mann was in position to make the save however, sending the game into halftime with the Hoosiers leading 2-0.

The Eagles dominated play in the second half, outshooting Indiana 19-5 and owning a 10-2 advantage in penalty corners. Despite having several open looks at the goal, American was unable to convert on their opportunities until late in the game.

Fingerhuth put American on the board in the 66th minute, picking up a rebound off a Savannah Graybill shot for the team's only score of the game. Graybill and van Erp both put shots on goal in the closing minutes but neither were able to convert and Indiana escaped with the 2-1 victory.

"We were a bit unlucky early in the game but Indiana played well when they needed to and converted on two of their opportunities," Head Coach Steve Jennings commented. "We played much better in the second half but still have a few things we need to work on before getting back on the field tomorrow."

American outshot Indiana 20-10 for the game and held a 12-4 advantage in penalty corners. Poorman recorded four saves in goal for the Eagles.

American will return to action Saturday, Aug. 29, at Richmond at 1 p.m.