Oct 6, 2007

No.15 AU Field Hockey Downs Bucknell, 3-0

Oct. 6, 2007

WASHINGTON - No.15 American University field hockey scored three first half goals to defeat Bucknell University, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon on the home turf of the Bison. The Eagles improve to 10-3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Patriot League, while Bucknell falls to 6-5-0 on the season and 0-2 in the conference.

For the first time in four games, American University took the first lead of the game and never looked back. Junior attacker Jesika Pufnock (Reading, Pa./Exeter) found the back of the cage early, beating the keeper with an unexpected shot from the top of the circle just over eight minutes into the first half. The goal was Pufnock's first of the season.

Not backing down, AU continued to pressure the Bison defense, scoring two more goals before half. In the 21st minute, American earned its second penalty stroke of the season and sophomore defender Annie DeWiljes (Hannover, Germany/Humboldschule Hannover) remained composed, nailed the shot and extended the Eagles' lead to two. On an assist from Irene Schickhardt (Ludwigsburg, Germany/Schiller), who now leads the team with six, Savannah Graybill (Ephrata, Pa./Cocalico) scored American University's final goal of the afternoon. The Ephrata, Pa. native is now tied with Denise Infante (Santiago, Chile/Santiago) as the Eagles' leading goal scorer, each with seven on the season.

"I was extremely pleased with out ability to capitalize on our offensive opportunities early in the game and take a 3-0 lead into halftime," said Associate Head Coach Sarah Krombolz. "It was a great win over a league opponent who always comes out strong against us."

American University outshot the Bison 12-9, with sophomore goalkeeper Alyssa Poorman (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks South) tallying five saves on the day. Although the Eagles were outcornered 6-5, American's corner defense stepped up strong and helped Poorman earn her fifth shutout of the season.

No.15 AU returns to the turf on Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. when it makes the trip to James Madison University to take on the eighth-ranked Dukes.