Alexis Dobbs scored a game-high 15 points and Ebony Edwards added a season-best 10 points as the American University women's basketball team earned a 56-43 victory at Colgate in the Patriot League opener in Hamilton, N.Y.

Trailing 9-7 in the early going, American (9-6, 1-0 PL) took control with an 11-0 run to open up an 18-9 advantage with 9:38 to play in the first half. Colgate (3-13, 0-1 PL) cut its deficit to as few as three, but an Edwards three in the final moments of the period gave AU its first double-digit advantage of the afternoon.

Leading 31-23 at halftime, American used a 12-2 run to start the second half to take a 43-25 advantage at the 15:12 mark. The Eagles pushed their lead to as many as 19, 47-28, on a Geleisa George jumper with 12:14 to go. AU maintained a double-digit margin for the remainder of the game and cruised to the 13-point victory.  

The Eagles' defense was the story as they held Colgate to just five second-half field goals and a 23.8 percent shooting over the final 20 minutes. Colgate made only 13 field goals in the game, the fewest buckets any AU opponent has converted so far this season. 

"Our players fought hard today for a quality win," remarked Head Coach Matt Corkery. "It is a good way to begin league play, especially on the road. I thought our defensive energy was consistently tough for 40 minutes. We hang out hat on that and it will be critical for our future success."

For the game, AU shot 43.4 percent compared to 27.7 percent for the Raiders. The Eagles were 6-of-14 (42.9 percent) from three-point range as they improved to 6-1 this season in games played away from home.

Dobbs' 15 points came on 6-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-5 from deep. She added five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Edwards had a season-high seven boards along with her 10 points. George and Tori Halvorsen each recorded eight points on a combined 7-of-14 shooting.

The Eagles will return to action this Wednesday, January 11 with the Patriot League home opener against Lehigh. Tip time from Bender Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. and it will be carried live on Patriot League All*Access.