The American University field hockey team got on the board first in Friday's game against Richmond, but the Spiders were able to come back in the second half to walk away with a 4-1 victory.

American (0-1) got an early opportunity with a penalty corner just 30 seconds into the game, but Shelly Montgomery's shot attempt was blocked by the Spider defense before reaching the cage. Richmond (1-0) responded with a shot attempt from inside the circle on the other end of the field with Ashley Dalisera coming up with the save for American.

The Eagles had two more penalty corners before Gina Hofmann was able to convert one in the 21st minute to put American up 1-0. Rebecca Treharne and Kati Rothenhoefer added the assists.

The Spiders were able to come back with an answer in the 25th minute. Richmond's Jackie Gyger sent a long pass inside to Chelsea Davies, who put it right back for Gyger who tapped it past Dalisera to tie the game.

Richmond came out of the half with two straight penalty corners and were able to convert on the second with a goal from Rebecca Barry. The Spiders added two more scores in the next nine minutes on unassisted goals from Kerri McDonald and Taylor Deitrick.

The Spiders held a 10-5 advantage in shots, outshooting the Eagles by a 7-2 margin in the second half. American had the 6-5 advantage in penalty corners.

American returns to Jacobs Field on Sunday, August 26 against No. 3 Old Dominion at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Eagles Vision TV.