The American University lacrosse team fought back from a three-goal deficit in the second half but couldn't hang on as they lost to Holy Cross, 12-8, in their Patriot League season opener on Saturday.

Holy Cross (2-4, 1-0) took a 2-0 lead early then back-to-back goals from Samantha Marshall and Emily Maher tied the game, 2-2, with 22:08 remaining. Paige Lin answered after a Crusaders' goal to tie it once again.

Holy Cross went on a 3-0 run to take a 6-3 lead. Kimberly Collins tallied a goal with 5:45 to go to put the score at 6-4 at the end of the first half.

Bernadette Maher put American (3-3, 0-1) on the board first in the second half with a goal just a minute in but the Crusaders responded with consecutive goals to take the 8-5 lead.

Back-to-back goals from Marshall and E. Maher brought the Eagles within one, 9-8, with 14:11 left to play. The Crusaders ended the game on a 3-0 run for the 12-8 victory.

Collins, E. Maher and Marshall each recorded two goals for the Eagles as Lin and B. Maher added one. Kaska Komosinski posted 11 saves in the loss and E. Maher had a team-high six draw controls.

The Crusaders owned a 16-9 advantage in ground balls while the Eagles held the 15-7 advantage in draw controls. Kayla DiBari and Taylor Zebrowski led Holy Cross with three goals apiece.

The Eagles will close out their road trip on Tuesday, March 13 when they take on Massachusetts at 3 p.m.