The No. 18 American University field hockey team dropped a 4-1 contest to No. 1 Maryland in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon in College Park, Md.

"Our season came to a close today against a great Maryland team but despite the loss we are so proud of our team's effort, resilience and skill," said Head Coach Steve Jennings. "We worked hard and accomplished so much this year -- demonstrating the power of a collective spirit."

American (15-6) earned a penalty corner in the first minute of the game but Grace Wilson's shot from the left side of the circle was deflected and sailed over the cage. The Terrapins were able to switch the field on an Eagles' foul with Mieke Hayn driving down the field for Maryland. Hayn took the shot but Ashley Dalisera made the kick save to keep Maryland off the board. Kati Rothenhoefer tallied the next shot of the game as Natalie Hunter had to make the save on the other end.

Maryland (21-1) found the back of the net in the 13th minute. Anna Dessoye received the pass from Steffi Schneid and sent a hard shot into the cage that deflected off Dalisera's pads and into the goal. The Terrapins scored three minutes later on a drive from Jill Witmer. Witmer passed it off to Katie Gerzabek and was able to finish for the 2-0 advantage

The Eagles cut Maryland's lead to one in the 18th minute on a penalty corner. Shelly Montgomery took the shot and it deflected off a Terrapins' defender for the 2-1 score. Carly Atchison and Victoria De Kepper were credited with the assists. American battled for the equalizer as the two teams went back and forth, but Jill Witmer had a breakaway down the right side of the field and rocketed a shot into the corner of the cage for the 3-1 lead in the 33rd minute. 

The Terrapins earned a penalty corner in the 36th minute but Sarah Sprink's try went wide. Dalisera came up with another save in the 52nd minute following a shot by Dessoye. Maryland had a pair of penalty corners and was able to convert on the second one with Katie Gerzabek scoring for the 4-1 win.

American tried to fight back down the stretch, challenging the Terrapins and pushing it into its offensive zone. Natalie Konerth had a shot in the 66th minute but the ball glanced past the left post. The Eagles earned a penalty corner in the final minute but Montgomery's try was wide. 

Maryland held an 8-6 edge in shots for the game with both teams notching four penalty corners. Dalisera made two saves for American.

"Most importantly we want to thank our seniors for all they have given us as people. We love them deeply and are proud they were able to lead us back to a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA's," said Jennings.

The Eagles finish its season with a 15-6 overall record after making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010.