WASHINGTON – Overcoming an early deficit in its final game of the regular season, the American University field hockey team earned a 3-1 decision over Bucknell Saturday at Jacobs Field.

With the victory, the Eagles improved to 11-6 overall on the season and claim the second seed in this year's Patriot League Tournament with a 5-1 record. Meanwhile, the Bison dropped to 8-10 overall and 3-3 in the league.

 "We just want to be sure we're peaking at the right time this year and we always want to be sure that we go into the Patriot League Tournament with a lot of confidence," said American head coach Steve Jennings. "That was critical for us today."

Bucknell struck quickly, capitalizing on a penalty corner less than five minutes into the game with a deflection by Stephanie Dressler. Meanwhile, American freshman Tara Murphy tallied the equalizer with 10:07 on the clock in the first period, getting the deflection on a penalty corner.

Just minutes later, another AU penalty corner resulted in a goal. Junior Natalie Konerth passed the ball from the top of the circle to the left side of the cage, where classmate Natalie Marsh tipped in the score to give American a 2-1 lead.

The Eagles' advantage held into the second half and grew to a 3-1 lead in the 46th minute. Senior Isabel Terwindt sprinted down the right side of the field to keep the ball in bounds, setting up a pass to sophomore Sophia Crawshay in the circle. Falling down, Crawshay chipped the ball from the right side of the goal to the top left corner of the cage, giving American its two-goal advantage.

Despite its two-point cushion, AU was unable to relax, as Bucknell came up with several scoring opportunities. The Bison held an 8-2 shot advantage in the second half and had a 3-0 edge on penalty corners. However, the Eagles' defense, led by senior goalkeeper Kate McBeath, was able to keep Bucknell off the board to secure the AU victory.

McBeath finished the game with six saves, including five in the second half alone.

"I think Kate played outstanding today," said Jennings. "She came up with some huge saves and was the rock of our defense. What better way to do that than on Senior Day."

"Coming into today's game, there were a ton of emotions," said McBeath. "Being a senior, you see all of your hard work over the past four years come together as a group. There was just so much love from the entire team and to add on to that, we had a great weekend of practice.

"It all just came together today. We really played an outstanding game and we were able to deal with the high intensity and high emotions of the other team, too."

In addition to honoring the six seniors on this year's team in a pregame ceremony, the Eagles had a special moment to begin the game, as senior Emilie Ikeda stepped on the field as a starter. Ikeda's career was prematurely ended by injuries suffered in her sophomore season, but she has continued to be an integral part of the team, including serving as a team captain this year.

"[Having Emilie on the field] was clearly the most special moment for us of the whole day," said Jennings. "Emilie is a tremendous person with unbelievable character. To be able to honor her in such a fitting way—it warmed all of our hearts to have her back on the field."

With the regular season concluded, the Eagles now have their sights set on the Patriot League Tournament, where they will seek their 10th league title in 15 seasons. The tournament will be hosted by top seed Boston University, which finished its PL slate with a 6-0 record. The Terriers will face fourth-seeded Bucknell in the first semifinal on Friday, Nov. 6, while American will face third-seed Lafayette.