WASHINGTON - After playing six of its first eight games at home, the American University field hockey team begins a five-game stretch of road contests this weekend, Sept. 27-28. The Eagles visit Patriot League foe Bucknell on Saturday, while facing 15th-ranked Temple Sunday in a non-conference matchup.

American enters the weekend with a 5-3 overall record and a 1-0 mark in the Patriot League after splitting a pair of home contests last week. The Eagles earned a 4-0 victory over Lehigh in their league opener on Saturday, while falling short in a 2-1 loss to Princeton, then ranked 20th in the nation.

Against the Mountain Hawks, senior Grace Wilson registered a career-high two goals to lead the Eagles to their highest scoring output of the season. Additionally, AU earned its fifth shutout of the season, tying for first nationally in total shutouts and shutouts per game. 

Meanwhile, American fell into a 2-0 deficit against Princeton on Sunday before a late goal by senior Kati Rothenhoefer put the Eagles on the scoreboard. However, AU was unable to score the equalizer in the one-goal loss.

Wilson, who leads the Patriot League in total points this season with 12, was tabbed the PL Corvias Defensive Player of the Week for her performance last weekend. Other standouts for the Eagles include senior Carly Atchison, who received honorable mention from the league after scoring four points (1g, 2a) on the weekend, and junior goalkeeper Kate McBeath, who ranks in the top 15 nationally in goals against average (1.19). 

Bucknell currently holds a 4-2 overall record and is 0-0 in the Patriot League. The Bison are coming off a 2-1 loss to then 13th-ranked Temple.

Liz Wills leads Bucknell's offense with four goals and two assists, while goalkeeper Shannon Keen ranks in the top 10 nationally in both goals against average (0.99) and save percentage (.806). 

Temple, ranked 15th in the latest NFHCA coaches poll, currently holds a 5-3 overall record on the season and will host Kent State on Saturday before facing the Eagles.

The Owls split a pair of games last weekend, defeating Bucknell, 2-1, while dropping a 1-0 overtime contest to Drexel. Amber Youtz leads Temple with 13 total points (6g, 1a), while goalkeeper Lizzy Millen has been a stalwart between the pipes with a 1.38 goals against average and .821 save percentage.