WASHINGTON - The American University field hockey team (10-5, 5-0 PL) proved once again why it's one of the top defensive teams in the country on Tuesday, as the Eagles held No. 2 Maryland (16-2, 7-1 Big Ten) scoreless for three quarters before falling to a late Terps goal.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The biggest challenge of the season resulted in one of AU's top defensive efforts, as the Eagles closed their nonconference schedule with a solid performance against one of the top teams in Division I. 
• American limited Maryland, who entered the weekend averaging 18.9 shots per game and 3.41 goals per game, to only eight shots and one goal late to earn the win. 
• Both teams did well halting penalty corner opportunities, as American failed to earn a single corner for the first time since 2014, and Maryland picked up only one in the fourth quarter. Both teams lead their respective conferences in corners per game, and rank within the top-12 in Division I, with the Eagles averaging 7.00 and Terrapins 7.71 per game.
• Three players got off shots during the game for AU, starting with junior Atina Pagani who nearly tied the game in the final minute, trickling the ball past the goalkeeper before a Maryland defender picked up the defensive save. Sophomores Hannah Moser and Aidan Rossman also had a shot each.
• Freshman goalkeeper Fiona Minter picked up three big saves during the game, including one late in the fourth quarter after Maryland's Madison Maguire was fed the ball on an open breakaway toward goal.
• The game-winner for the Terps came in the final five minutes of the game when a crossed ball at the top of the circle found senior defender Kelee Lepage.
• Maryland goalkeeper Noelle Frost earned one save on the day, and junior Bodil Keus came away with the late defensive save after the shot from Pagani.

UP NEXT...
American saved the best for last in its regular-season home schedule. The Eagles will host Lafayette at 11 a.m. on Saturday to determine the Patriot League regular season title and right to host the PL Tournament next weekend. Both team's enter with a perfect 5-0 record in the conference. The game will also serve as the team's Senior Day celebration for Caroline Miller and Jette Dieckmann.

For the latest on American University Field Hockey, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_FieldHockey) and Instagram (@aufieldhockey).