The American University field hockey team snapped its four-game losing streak in style with a 2-1 victory over No. 6 Boston College Sunday afternoon at Jacobs Field.

Jenn Bradley got American (3-5) on the scoreboard in the second minute of play when she converted a breakaway opportunity. Following American's goal, defense was the story for the rest of the first half as AU held Boston College (7-3) without a shot in the opening 35 minutes. American took that 1-0 advantage into halftime.

AU extended its lead to 2-0 in the 53rd minute on an Alex McMackin strike following American's fifth consecutive penalty corner. For McMackin, the score was her team-leading fifth of the season.

After going the entire first half without a shot, Boston College turned up the offensive pressure in the second period, registering 13 over the final 35 minutes. Boston College cut the American lead in half in the 64th minute when Courtney Tavener converted a rebound opportunity, but that was all the offense BC could muster as AU held on for the 2-1 win.

AU's Ashley Dalisera was solid in goal for the Eagles in her first-career start. The sophomore registered seven second-half saves, picking up her first collegiate victory.

"I think the major difference today was that we were relentless when we had to be, we fought together as a group, and we overcame a great Boston College team," remarked Head Coach Steve Jennings following the contest. "It was a total team effort. It was good for us to get this win and now we open up the second season [Patriot League play]."

The victory for the Eagles marks its second top-seven opponent that they have defeated this season at Jacobs Field. On September 4, AU beat then-No. 7 Princeton, 2-0, on the strength of scores by Shelly Montgomery and Gina Hofmann. American has now defeated four top-10 opponents since 2004.

American will be back in action next weekend with a pair of home contests. The Eagles will first host Lehigh on Saturday, October 1 at 12 p.m. in the Patriot League opener before welcoming Temple to Jacobs Field on Sunday, October 2 at 1 p.m. Both games will be available on Eagles Vision TV.