The AU field hockey team lost its third consecutive game Friday against the University of Richmond Spiders, falling 2-1 in its final out-of-conference game of the season.
Junior forward Savannah Graybill led the Eagles' attack early. She scored an unassisted chip shot into an empty net in the first 12 minutes of the game to put the Eagles up 1-0.
The Eagles continued their constant pressure on the Spiders' defense, but could not capitalize. With dark, ominous clouds rolling in, the Eagles finished the first half holding on to an uncomfortable 1-0 lead.
The Spiders burst onto the turf in the second half and quickly took advantage of a corner shot and a penalty corner, as the Spiders tied and took the lead in the first three minutes of the half.
Sophomore midfielder Hannah Hess scored off of the corner shot two minutes into the period while teammate junior forward Sarah Blythe-Wood scored just over one minute later to give the Spiders a 2-1 advantage.
The Eagles' offense spent the next 32 minutes of the second half battling for possession and for the back of the Spiders' net.
The Eagles had several opportunities, including near-goals from senior attacker Irene Schickhardt, sophomore forward Christine Fingerhuth, and Graybill. Yet, with every open opportunity, a Richmond player was there to knock the ball out-of-bounds or hit the ball into Eagle territory.
The Eagles also out shot the Spiders 12-11 and had seven penalty corners to the Spiders' four.
The loss brings the No. 14 Eagles' record to 3-5 as they head into Patriot League play. The Eagles face the Holy Cross Crusaders at home at noon Saturday.
You can reach this staff writer at jhall@theeagleonline.com.
