The American University field hockey team battled back from an early one-goal deficit to register a 2-1 overtime victory at Richmond on Friday afternoon.

Kati Rothenhoefer notched the game-winner in extra time with an unassisted tally, beating the keeper with a shot into the top left corner of the net at the 79:40 mark to give the Eagles the win in its season opener.

"We had a fantastic win today against a very strong Richmond team," said Head Coach Steve Jennings. "Our team showed tremendous resilience and left everything on the field, tying the game late then scoring an incredible goal to earn the victory. We are very happy with the effort today and hope to build on the performance."

Richmond (0-1) took a 1-0 advantage just under six minutes into the game. Emily Johansson received a pass right in front of the cage and slipped it past Ashley Dalisera for the early lead. The Spiders continued to control play in the first, tallying six more shots with American registering three to go into the break up 1-0.

American (1-0) went on the offensive in the second half, rattling off 10 shots compared to three for the Spiders. Grace Wilson added the equalizer off a penalty corner as Carly Atchison and Rebecca Treharne registered the assists to send the game to extra time and set up Rothenhoefer's game-winner. 

The Eagles outshot Richmond, 15-12, for the game and held an 8-3 advantage in penalty corners. Dalisera registered four saves for American.

The Eagles return to action on Sunday, September 1 at 1 p.m. when it faces No. 8 Old Dominion in Norfolk, Va.