WASHINGTON – Coming off a resounding home win over Holy Cross last Saturday, the American University lacrosse team is back in D.C. for the final time this season to host Bucknell in a crucial matchup on Wednesday afternoon. With three regular season games remaining, the eighth place Eagles will need at least two more wins to surpass BU and Colgate to make the playoffs.
QUICK INFO
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 15, 1 p.m.
- Site: Washington, D.C. (Jacobs Complex)
- Series History: Tied 9-9
- TV: ESPN+
- Talent: Bryan Albin
Series History
- The two programs have been evenly matched over the years, tied at nine wins apiece in the all-time series. All but one of the last five matchups have been decided by three goals or less.
- A year ago, Reagan Murdoch netted four goals in an 11-9 loss for the Eagles in Lewisburg. AU trailed for the majority of the game, cutting a four-goal lead to two in the fourth quarter to come up short.
Parking Information
- Parking is only permitted in the School of International Service (SIS) or The Katzen Art Center Garage during work hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays).
- Guests using these locations must utilize the hourly rate pay boxes inside each respective garage.
What to Know About American: 3-10 (2-4)
- The Eagles are coming off one of their most complete games of the season, taking down Holy Cross in commanding fashion 14-7.
- Brooke Hill headlined the day with 15 saves in goal, along with three ground balls. Her nine saves in the first half loomed large, allowing AU to go into halftime with a 5-4 lead and break the game open in the second.
- The sophomore made five saves in a row at one point, allowing her fewest goals of the season. She was named Patriot League Goalkeeper of the week for her performance.
- Five different Eagles scored in the game, but Murdoch led the way with five goals and an assist.
- The senior captain had her way with the Holy Cross defense, getting loose to put nine of her 10 shots on target and scoring in multiple ways – two off a free position chances, another from the perimeter within the run of play, and two that saw her beat defenders on one-on-one opportunities. Murdoch leads the team with 35 goals.
- Anastasia Byrnes recorded a career-high four points, netting her first hat trick with an assist. She set the tone early for AU, scoring on her first two shots of the game. The sophomore attacker has emerged as a regular in American's rotation, with 10 goals to her name after playing in just one game her freshman year.
- Kellie Linehan, Annabelle Jackson, and Jasmine Connor each scored a pair of goals as well.
- Linehan, AU's other senior captain, follows behind Murdoch with 27 goals. She also leads the team in draw controls with 39.
- AU's defensive front is led by Izzy Masengarb, Sammie Buonaccorsi, and Deirdre Brown. Brown caused four turnovers against Holy Cross, while Masengarb picked up three ground balls. The trio all sit in the Patriot League's top 10 in total caused turnovers, as Masengarb leads the way with 26 on the year.
- Also making an impact on the defensive end is sophomore Rayah Johnson, who's picked up 16 ground balls this season. She had a team-high four against Holy Cross.
- With a 2-4 record in conference play, the Eagles will need at least two wins in their final three games to leap frog BU and Colgate to crack the top six and make the playoffs.
What to Know About Bucknell: 8-4 (4-2)
- The Bison have hit their stride, winning four games in a row and coming off a comfortable 15-8 win over Lafayette. They took down Colgate, Lehigh, and Holy Cross in the prior three weeks.
- Senior attacker Megan Krestinksi leads Bucknell's attack. She has a team-best 60 points on 36 goals and 24 assists.
- Freshman Caleigh Cummiskey has had a breakout season, leading the Bison in goals with 38. She's got 14 assists as well, and the rookie has scored at least three goals in all but one game this year.
- Jess Leon leads the defensive unit with 21 caused turnovers and 33 ground balls, third in the Patriot League.
- Bucknell has allowed 11.75 goals per game, which is third fewest in the conference.
- Junior Bella Crowley has started all 12 games in goal, holding a 11.64 GAA with 91 saves.
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).
