Teams: American (0-0) at Richmond (0-0)
Date and Location: Friday, Aug. 28 -- 4 p.m. -- Richmond, Va.
Last Meeting: Richmond 4, American 1, 8/29/2014 in Washington, D.C.
Video: Click here (subscription only)
Live Stats: Click here
After a productive preseason, the American University field hockey team is prepared for the official start of its 2015 schedule.
"Preseason has gone very well," said head coach Steve Jennings. "The team has worked extremely hard and always with a positive attitude. The coaching staff has been very impressed with the mindset of the group, and we are very excited about opening weekend."
The Eagles will look to improve upon their 9-9 overall record from a year ago. They will get things to a start on Friday afternoon, when they visit Richmond in a non-conference contest at 4 p.m.
"For the fall, we are concentrating on each game as it comes and trying our best to improve each day," said Jennings. "If we are able to do that, we know we will be in a great place at the end of the year."
Leading American heading into 2015 are preseason All-Patriot League selections Kate McBeath and Angela Virtu. Last season, the duo helped anchor a defense that led the nation in shutouts per game, as the Eagles posted eight shutouts for the season.
McBeath, a senior goalkeeper, ranked second in the league in save percentage last season. Meanwhile, Virtu, a sophomore defender, was chosen as a second-team All-Patriot League selection and the PL Rookie of the Year.
On the offensive end, the Eagles' top returners are senior midfielder Jess Davis (5g, 1a) and sophomore forward Leah DiGiandomenico (4g, 1a).
Richmond, which earned a 4-1 victory over AU in last year's season opener, compiled a 12-10 overall record in 2014. The Spiders won the Atlantic 10 Championship to advance to the NCAA Play-In Game versus Liberty.
The top returners for Richmond include preseason all-league performers Amy Cook and Allison Haas. Cook registered three goals and five assists in 2014, while Haas was a defensive standout for the Spiders.
The Eagles close the weekend on Sunday, as they visit 16th-ranked Old Dominion in a 1 p.m. contest.
"Richmond and Old Dominion pose big challenges for us, as both are long-time rivals and play very strong, distinct styles of hockey," said Jennings. "Both matches should be very competitive and we know we will have to bring a united effort in order to be successful."
