WASHINGTON – An early 3-0 lead had American University lacrosse in control, but Georgetown took over in the second half to hand AU a 12-5 season-opening loss at Cooper Field. The Eagles held a 4-3 halftime advantage before the Hoyas surged ahead in the final two quarters.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Senior Maddy Spratt and junior Kellie Linehan scored two goals each to lead the Eagles.
• Spratt led the team with eight draw controls, tying for game-high honors with the Hoyas' Lucy Nace.
• With a goal and an assist, senior Becca Frank also posted two points for AU, as did senior Becca Frank with two assists.
• In goal, senior Caleigh Forti made an impressive 15 saves, staying consistent with four saves in all but one quarter of the contest.
• The Eagles finished with an 11-10 lead in draw controls, but committed 19 turnovers compared to 10 for Georgetown.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The start was an exciting one for the Eagles, who quickly struck first on Frank's goal just a minute and a half in. She was fed by Alyssa Apuzzo, and the Eagles weren't done yet.
• In a two-minute span later in the first quarter, Spratt rattled off back-to-back goals with assists from Frank and freshman Madison Barber.
• The Hoyas got one back before the end of the opening quarter, and made it a 3-0 run with two goals midway through the second.
• Linehan's goal with 2:15 remaining in the half put AU up 4-3, and that score stood at halftime after an attempt by Georgetown came after the horn.
• The game's second tie came at 4-4 in the first minute of the third quarter before Linehan gave AU another lead on a Murdoch assist.
• Linehan's second goal at 13:39 of the third quarter proved to be the last for American, as Georgetown scored eight unaswered the rest of the way.
• Four players finished with two goals apiece for the Hoyas, including Maley Starr with two goals and two assists.

NEXT UP

• American is set to face Howard in its home opener on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Game time was originally slated for 1 p.m., but has been moved up to 11 a.m. due to concerns of winter weather as the day progresses.

STAY CONNECTED

• For the latest on AU Lacrosse, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_Lacrosse) and Instagram (@au_wlax).