WASHINGTON - Led by hat tricks from Kellie Linehan and Caroline McBride, the American University lacrosse team defeated Howard 16-5 on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon at Greene Stadium. Freshman Julia Pope added a standout performance with two goals and two assists, contributing to AU's best attacking game of the young season so far. 

Notable

• McBride's three goals came on an efficient three shots, marking her first tallies of the season. She also added an assist to total a career-high four points. 
• Linehan now has seven goals and nine total points, leading the team in both categories. 
• Adria Kotzian scored a goal and added her team-leading fifth assist of the season, while Kristen Hegarty and Peyton Coleman both scored and assisted their first goals of the year. Freshman Shannon Silvius also dished out her first career assist.
• Deirdre Brown had the most active day on the defensive end, causing a turnover and picking up two ground balls. The Eagles caused seven giveaways in total.
• Sophomores Brooke Hill and Maryanne Harris shared the day in goal, with Harris replacing Hill at the start of the fourth quarter. Hill made five saves, and Harris made four. 

How it Happened

• American fell down 1-0 on a goal from Gabrielle Nelson just over two minutes into the game, marking the only time the Eagles trailed. Jasmine Connor and Caroline McBride scored three minutes a part to give AU the lead, then McBride added a second with 37 seconds left in the first frame. 
• The Eagles opened the game up in the second quarter, breaking through for five goals. The run started with goals from Murdoch and Coleman, before the AU defense killed off two green card penalties over the next 6:26. 
• Linehan got the Eagles back on the board, then Murdoch and Connor scored before the end of the half to send the visitors to the locker room with an 8-2 lead. 
• It was a dominant second half for American, scoring eight more goals and allowing just three. The Eagles executed well when man-up opportunities came their way, finding the back of the net four times with the advantage in the second half. 

Up Next

• The Eagles return home to face another DMV-area opponent in George Mason on Friday, Feb. 27. First draw is set for 1 p.m.

Keep up With Us

• For the latest on American University lacrosse, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@au_lacrosse) and Instagram (@au_wlax).