AU field hockey had a strong weekend, winning their games against Towson University on Saturday, 8-1 and Sunday against Penn State University, 3-1.
The Lady Eagles dominated Towson in the second half, scoring a total of six goals. Anne-Meike DeWilijes had two goals, an assist and fives shots on goal. It was the defense that stepped up for the Eagles, allowing only one Towson shot the entire game.
It was the second half that again proved to be key in their win over No. 13 Penn State.
With time winding down, AU senior Savannah Graybill scored from behind the net to make it 2-1.
With the win over Penn State, the team climbed back into the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches Poll and is now ranked No. 19 out of 20. It is the first time that the team has been ranked since their loss to Indiana University at the beginning of the year.
The team opens up their home schedule Sept. 18 to face the University of California Golden Bears. This will be the second time in three years that AU has played the team. Their last meeting was in 2006, when Cal won in overtime, 4-3. Cal is 2-2 on the season and will be looking to end a two game skid against the Eagles.
On top of the team’s weekend success, three more of their athletes have earned Patriot League awards. Seniors Savannah Graybill, Anne-Meike de Wiljes and Alyssa Poorman were all named PL players of the week for their respective positions. All three were an important part of the team’s 2-0 weekend at the Terrapin Invitational. Graybill had a particularly special weekend, tying for 10th in career goals scored.
There are only four games left before AU opens their Patriot League season. The Eagles have not lost a game in the Patriot League since 2002 and are currently 31-0 in conference play.
You can reach this staff writer at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.
