BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Sophomore Angela Virtu tallied the game-winning goal midway through overtime to give the American University field hockey team a 1-0 victory over Lehigh in the Patriot League opener for both teams.

Virtu scored on a penalty corner, the Eagles' second in overtime and fifth of the game. On the corner, senior Katie Lonsky passed the ball into Virtu, who passed it left to freshman Rafaela Rubas. Rubas sent it back to Virtu for the winning shot.

With the win, the Eagles improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the league, while the Mountain Hawks fell to 1-5 and 0-1 in the league.

Neither team had many scoring opportunities in the first half, with American taking the only shot in the first 35 minutes of action. The Eagles held a 6-5 shot advantage in the second half and outshot the Mountain Hawks 3-0 in the extra period.

"We struggled to find our rhythm today, and despite having a high percentage of possession, we were unable to capitalize," said American head coach Steve Jennings. "Lehigh fought hard and made us work for everything we earned.

"I am proud that we were able to regroup and prevail in overtime for an important league win."

The Eagles close the weekend with a non-conference match, visiting Princeton in a 2 p.m. contest.