WASHINGTON - The American University field hockey team (4-4, 1-0 PL) had a commanding start to Patriot League play on Saturday after overpowering Bucknell (4-4, 1-1 PL) in front of an energetic home crowd, 3-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Eagles put Bucknell on its heels early, immediately pressuring the Bison's backline after sophomore Maura Phelan forced a turnover at midfield. Sophomore Aidan Rossman battled against the Bison defenders to get the ball into the circle until it was knocked loose. Senior Jette Dieckmann quickly collected possession and let loose a long shot into the far post of the cage to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage within the first minute of the game. 
• Junior Noor Coenen added her name to the score sheet less than 10 minutes later, taking a long pass from freshman Charllene Boshoff before launching a high shot over the Bucknell keeper's shoulder and into the upper corner of the cage. 
• The Eagles didn't let up the pressure in the second quarter, picking up three penalty corners and adding another four shots as the Bison struggled to gain momentum. The third and final corner of the half proved to be fruitful for AU as the team picked up a 3-0 advantage heading into the break. Sophomore Georgia Davies pitched in the insertion to Boshoff whose shot was knocked off-course by the quick Bison defense. Rossman was there to pick up the loose ball, though, and slid in a low shot beneath the Bucknell keeper for her first goal of the season.
• Bucknell found its rhythm in the second half as Emily Doyle quickly got the Bison on the board in the opening minutes of the third quarter. But the rest of the game proved to be a stalemate, as both teams battled with four shots each in the final 30 minutes.
• Freshman goalkeeper Fiona Minter was back in goal for the Eagles and picked up one save in her 60 minutes of play. Bucknell keeper Olivia Harris earned five saves.
• By the end of the game, AU held the advantage in shots, 11-6, and penalty corners, 5-4.
• Bucknell entered the game with a Patriot League victory already under its belt after a 1-0 upset over No. 25 Boston University last weekend.

UP NEXT

• The Eagles will close out its two-game weekend at 2 p.m. on Sunday against crosstown foe Georgetown. 
• The game will also serve as the team's annual Blue Out Day. Students are invited to join in the fan fest at the sand volleyball courts where there will be free Domino's pizza, Robek's smoothies, and Coca-Cola products (while supplies last).

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