The American University field hockey team remained at the top of the Patriot League standings, earning its fourth shutout of the year and third in conference action, with a 4-0 victory over Lafayette on Saturday afternoon at Jacobs Field.

American (8-3, 4-0) converted on its first opportunity just nine minutes into the game. Natalie Konerth drove up the right side of the field and continued to push through the Leopards' defense, slipping it past Jessica Deutsch for 1-0 lead. The Eagles went on the attack right after the goal, but Isabel Terwindt's attempt in the 11th minute was blocked before reaching the cage. American found the back of the net again in the 16th minute. Carly Atchison inserted the penalty corner and Grace Wilson's initial shot was stopped by Deutsch, but Shelly Montgomery was there to put away the rebound for the 2-0 lead.

Lafayette (4-8, 1-2) registered its lone opportunity of the first half in the 21st minute. Kelsey Gula took the shot but Ashley Dalisera was there for the save. The Eagles were awarded three consecutive penalty corners and were able to convert on the final one of the series as Montgomery added her second goal of the day in the 31st minute for the 3-0 advantage. Konerth nearly added a second as well a minute later, but Deutsch came up with the save as American went into the half up 3-0.

The Leopards immediately went on the offensive in the second half, controlling possession and earning its first penalty corner of the game in the 39th minute. Brittany Blass tried to find the back of the cage for Lafayette with Dalisera making the stop. The Leopards were awarded two more penalty corners, but multiple attempts by the team were blocked by the American defense.

The Eagles were finally able to switch the field and earned a penalty corner of its own in the 57th minute. American recorded three straight shots but was unable to convert. The Eagles added its final goal of the contest in the 60th minute. Atchison drilled a shot from inside the left side of the circle that beat Deutsch and gave American the 4-0 lead. Konerth registered the final shot attempt of the game for either team in the 61st minute but her attempt was blocked as the clock wound down and the Eagles picked up its fourth straight Patriot League win.

American outshot the Leopards, 14-7, for the game. The Eagles also held a 5-3 edge in penalty corners, with Lafayette earning all of its corners in the second half. Dalisera made five saves for her third shutout of the season. Deutsch finished with five stops for Lafayette.

The Eagles secured a bid to the Patriot League tournament with the win.

American is back at Jacobs Field tomorrow, Sunday, October 13, when it faces No. 1 Maryland at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Eagles Vision TV.