EASTON, Pa. – Anchored by a strong defensive effort, the American University field hockey team registered a 1-0 road victory over Lafayette on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Eagles improved to 7-5 on the season and 2-1 in the Patriot League, while the Leopards drop to 5-8 overall and 1-3 in the league. All seven of AU's victories this season have come by shutout.

After a scoreless first half that featured seven total shots, American was able to get on the scoreboard five and a half minutes into the second period. Senior Kati Rothenhoefer dribbled into the circle on the attack, setting up freshman Leah DiGiandomenico for the score, giving AU the 1-0 advantage.

Lafayette controlled possession for much of the second half, outshooting American 9-3 in the period and holding a 5-1 advantage on penalty corners taken. However, AU's defense held steady to keep the Leopards off the scoreboard.

Junior goalkeeper Kate McBeath, who ranks in the top 10 nationally in goals against average, turned in an impressive performance in the net, registering five saves in her seventh shutout of the year.

“Today was another strong performance by our deep defense, getting a shutout against a very strong and determined Lafayette team,” said American head coach Steve Jennings. “In the end, I think the game was just played on a really narrow margin and we were fortunate that Leah DiGiandomenico scored a great goal after an incredible run by Kati Rothenhoefer, who set her up. I'm very happy with the win and now we need to get ready for JMU on Wednesday night.”

American concludes its five-game road stretch this Wednesday, Oct. 16, as it travels to Harrisonburg, Va., for a non-conference contest versus James Madison at 7 p.m.