The AU Eagles triumphed twice this weekend in the American Field Hockey Invitational.
The 15th nationally ranked Eagles surged in the second half to topple the University of New Hampshire Wildcats 4-0 on Saturday and then clawed their way to a 2-0 win on Sunday against the 19th ranked University of Albany Great Danes.
"Our level of play quickly progressed over the weekend," said sophomore midfielder Kirstin Gebhart. "We started off frantic on Saturday, but by Sunday we calmed down and stayed smart."
Gebhart and Irene Schickhardt led the Eagle offense this weekend with each scoring a goal and Schickhardt tallying two assists. Christine Fingerhuth, Emily Stovicek and Natalie Ellenberger all scoring for the Eagles against UNH.
Junior goalie Alyssa Poorman and sophomore defender Anne Van Erp anchored a staunch defense that shut out two resilient offenses and helped the Eagle frontline find its groove on offense. Poorman finished Saturday's game with three saves.
AU's team currently holds the Patriot League title. With All-Patriot-Leaguers, Schickhardt, Poorman, Anne-Meike De Wiljes and Savannah Graybill returning, the Eagles will try to keep alive its streak of five undefeated Patriot League champion seasons.
"We are fit and have strong stick skills," Gebhart said. "All we need to work on is our structure."
The Eagles will travel to Iowa City, Iowa, to play the University of Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday and the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday.
You can reach this staff writer at sflynn@theeagleonline.com.
