Box Score WASHINGTON – Rafaela Rubas and Leah DiGiandomenico scored in the first half and Kathryn Roncoroni added a goal in the second, as No. 20 American edged Big Ten opponent Michigan State, 3-2, in a non-conference field hockey match Sunday at Jacobs Field.
The Eagles improved to 8-4 on the season, while the Spartans fell to 5-8.
Rubas scored on a penalty corner insertion from
Jess Davis just 2:11 into the game to put the Eagles ahead. With 15 minutes left before halftime, DiGiandomenico sprinted downfield with the ball from near midfield, beating a few defenders and then besting Spartan goalkeeper Katie Miller.
The Eagles held an 8-4 edge in shots and a 5-3 advantage in penalty corners in the opening period.
Michigan State's Kristin Matula scored in traffic with seven minutes elapsed in the second half to cut AU's 2-0 halftime lead. She took advantage of traffic in front to score.
Five minutes later, AU got a turnover and
Lucy Whalley found Roncoroni open at the left post to extend the lead back to two goals.
With 1:30 left, the Spartans converted a penalty corner when Simone Vagnoni scored off assists from Sophie Macadre and Addie Donaldson. The goal came with AU short-handed due to a yellow card.
Another yellow card put the Eagles down two players with 1:19 to play, but AU's defense was able to hold the ball and run out the clock.
American goalkeeper
Maura Jacobs had six saves. The Eagles finished with a 17-14 edge in shots had a 13-7 edge in penalty corners.
The Eagles travel to Lafayette for a Patriot League match on Saturday before playing at Drexel on Sunday. AU's next home match is Saturday, Oct. 22 against Colgate at 11 a.m.
