The American University field hockey team posted one of its best upsets in program history, coming back from a one-goal deficit at the half to upend No. 2 Connecticut, 4-3, on Phil Jacobs and Alumni Day.

"It's always huge to get a top-10 win and we respect UCONN's program so much," said Head Coach Steve Jennings. "They're an incredible team and to take down the number two team on our home field on Alumni Day is a really special thing, so I'm really proud of our team and just really excited about the win."

UCONN (13-2) struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. Anne Jeute lined up on the side of the cage and received the cross from Marie Elena Bolles, tapping it in for the early advantage. The Eagles answered two minutes later on a penalty corner. Victoria De Kepper sent a pass over to Rebecca Treharne at the top of the circle and the junior was able to put it away to tie the game at 1-all.

UCONN continued to control possession, earning a penalty corner in the 11th minute as Roisin Upton's attempt was blocked by the American defense. The Eagles had its next opportunity in the 19th minute, but Carly Atchison's shot was stopped by Sarah Mansfield. The Huskies switched the field quickly and Ashley Dalisera came up with the save on Chrissy Davidson's try to keep the game knotted up. UCONN was able to take the 2-1 advantage in the 29th minute with Jeute adding her second of the day, finishing a breakaway by Bolles.

The Huskies had a pair of penalty corners to open the second half, but Dalisera made both saves on shots by Chloe Hunnable. UCONN registered its third corner of the half in the 45th minute. Hunnable's attempt was again stopped by Dalisera and Jeute's second chance shot went wide of the cage.

American (10-4) called a timeout after back-to-back shots by the Huskies, and was able to retake possession. De Kepper drove down the right side of the field and delivered a pass to Isabel Terwindt, who ripped it into the goal for the equalizer in the 57th minute. The score sparked the Eagles' offense and it scored just under two minutes later on a penalty corner. Grace Wilson recorded her seventh goal of the season with De Kepper posting her third assist of the day.

American found the back of the net again less than three minutes later, with Kati Rothenhoefer putting it away after the ball bounced off a UCONN defender for the 4-2 lead. The Huskies fought back, earning back-to-back penalty corners and cutting the Eagles' lead to one on a goal by Chloe Hunnable in the 67th minute. UCONN tried to find the equalizer down the stretch, but American was able to hold the ball in the offensive end as the clock wound down to complete its upset.

"It's a really special win and I think it helps our team know the hard work we've been putting in and the changes we've been able to make have been paying off. It's a really positive thing for momentum for us going forward," said Jennings.

The Huskies outshot the Eagles, 15-7, for the game and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners. Dalisera registered five saves for American, posting four in the second half.

The Eagles' upset marks its second of the season and its first win over a top-five opponent since beating then No. 4 Princeton, 3-2, in 2010.

American closes out its regular season home schedule next weekend with a pair of games. The Eagles host Bucknell on Saturday, October 26 at 12 p.m. and face William & Mary for Senior Day on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on Eagles Vision TV.