WASHINGTON – Kent State's Alison Harmatz registered the game-winner with 8:07 remaining in the second overtime, as the American University field hockey team dropped a 2-1 decision to the visiting Golden Flashes on Sunday afternoon.

With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 9-5 overall on the season, while the Golden Flashes improved to 5-8.

Kent State trailed most of the game, despite outshooting American 21-7 for the contest. The game remained scoreless for much of the first half before freshman Lucy Whalley put the Eagles on the board with a shot from near the top of the circle.

American held on to its 1-0 advantage until the closing minutes of the second half. Kent State's Madison Thompson intercepted a pass from an AU defender for a one-on-one opportunity with Eagles' goalkeeper Kate McBeath, and put it in the back of the cage for the equalizer.

The score remained tied through the first overtime, despite several opportunities for both teams, including three penalty corners for the Eagles. Overall, American had a slight 7-5 edge on penalty corners, but was unable to convert those into points.

 "We didn't really do much right today," said American head coach Steve Jennings. "Kent State played strong and while we were fortunate to have a lead for much of the game, they really had us on our heels.

McBeath did her part to keep American in the game, finishing with nine saves, including three in the first overtime period.

 "We need to learn how to string two solid games together," said Jennings. "We played a fantastic game yesterday, and I think we were emotionally drained today. Going forward, we have to keep that focus if we're going to advance far into the postseason."

The Eagles have a pair of non-conference contests on their slate next weekend, hosting Rutgers on Friday, Oct. 23, before facing Indiana on Sunday, Oct. 25.