BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior captain Jessica Wojciechowski recorded her first hat trick of the season, but the American University lacrosse team was unable to get past Lehigh on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 10-6 decision to the Mountain Hawks.

Wojciechowski, who also recorded an assist, finished with four points to lead the Eagles, who fell to 3-9 overall on the season and 0-4 in the Patriot League.

Allison LaBeau recorded three goals and two assists to lead the Mountain Hawks, who improved to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in the league.

Lehigh got out to a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of action before senior Olivia Mangan put American on the board with 18:51 on the clock in the first period. After another Lehigh goal, senior Terese Buechli got the Eagles back within one on an assist by Wojciechowski.

The Mountain Hawks extended their advantage to 5-2 with 5:37 remaining in the first half, while a free-position goal by AU sophomore Jennifer DeSimone brought the score to 5-3 heading into the intermission.

After the break, Wojciechowski recorded her first goal of the game to bring the Eagles within a single point. However, Lehigh responded with three straight scores, including a pair of free-position goals, to increase its lead to 8-4.

Wojciechowski recorded a free-position goal with just under 20 minutes remaining to cut the margin to 8-5, but the Eagles were never able to get any closer. After another Lehigh goal, Wojciechowski completed her hat trick with a goal at the 1:41 mark. However, the Mountain Hawks scored in the last 25 seconds to account for the final margin.

Lehigh, which outshot American 27-21 for the game, was able to take advantage of its free-position opportunities, scoring four free-position goals in the contest. Meanwhile, the Eagles converted just 2-of-8 free-position shots.

The Eagles return home for their next contest, as they host Lafayette on Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m.