The American University lacrosse team battled back from a five-goal deficit but couldn't complete the comeback as it fell, 8-7, to Holy Cross in its Patriot League Semifinal match on Friday night in Annapolis, Md.

Sara Hennessey scored three straight goals in the first eight minutes for the Crusaders to open the scoring in the contest. Holy Cross (9-9) added two more tallies for the 5-0 advantage with 14:24 remaining in the first half as the Eagles called a timeout. Alex Lugovina was able to put American on the board, receiving the feed from Kimberly Collins and putting it past goalkeeper Sarah Weber. 

The Crusaders tried to take another five-goal lead, but Laura Ryan's shot hit the pipe and Laura Dawson collected the ground ball to put the Eagles back on the attack. Collins and Lugovina's back-to-back attempts were off-target before Emily Maher was able to slip it into the corner of the cage on a free position to make the score 5-2 with 3:50 to play. Collins had another attempt before the break, but her shot was high as the Eagles went into the half down 5-2.

American (8-10) came out of the break with consecutive goals from Collins and Lugovina 40 seconds apart to make it a one score game at the 24:46 mark. The Crusaders came up with the next draw control but a save from Teal Harrison gave the Eagles back possession. Lugovina knotted it up on the dish from Jordan Harrington with 13:54 to play. 

Zebrowski answered for Holy Cross on a free position, but Harrington tied it again on an assist from Collins. The Crusaders notched back-to-back scores to take an 8-6 advantage with 6:50 to play. Collins brought American within one, 8-7, on a free position with under four minutes remaining. The Eagles tried to add the equalizer, but couldn't find the back of the cage in the closing minutes as it fell, 8-7.

Lugovina finished with a hat trick to lead the Eagles while Collins also tallied three points on two goals and one assist, finishing her career with a 41-game scoring streak. Samantha Marshall led the team with three draw controls and Olivia Mangan collected two ground balls. Harrison stopped four shots for American. 

Holy Cross held a 10-7 edge in draw controls for the game. The Eagles collected eight ground balls compared to five for the Crusaders.

Following Sunday's Championship game, Collins and Lugovina were recognized on the Patriot League All-Tournament Team.

American finishes the year with an overall record of 8-10 in addition to its 5-1 mark in Patriot League play.