The American University field hockey team defeated Lafayette, 3-1, Sunday afternoon in Easton, Pa., to earn its ninth consecutive Patriot League regular season championship. The victory earns the Eagles hosting rights for next weekend's Patriot League Tournament where they will seek their ninth straight tournament championship.

Three different goal scorers propelled American (9-7, 4-1 PL) to the victory over Lafayette (9-8, 4-1 PL), which began with a Natalie Ellenberger tally in the 31st minute to give AU a 1-0 advantage. American took that one-goal advantage into halftime before the Leopards leveled the match with a score less than two minutes into the second half.

The contest remained tied at one for more than 20 minutes before Melissa Casale knocked home her fourth goal of the season in what turned out to be the game-winner. Casale's strike came in the 59th minute and was converted on a rebound following a penalty corner. The Eagles added an insurance goal nine minutes later as Shelly Montgomery one-timed a pass from Alex McMackin to set the final margin at 3-1.

The Eagles outshot Lafayette by a 13-5 margin, which included an 11-5 advantage in shots on target. Stephanie Burry played all 70 minutes in goal for AU, registering four saves to earn the victory.

Top-seeded American will draw No. 4 Bucknell in the first Patriot League Semifinal, which will be played on Friday, November 4 at 11 a.m. at Jacobs Field. No. 2 Lafayette and third-seeded Lehigh will square off at 2 p.m. in the second semifinal with the two winners meeting on Saturday, November 5 at 1 p.m. All three contests will be available on Patriot League All*Access.