Nov. 14, 2009

The season for the American field hockey team came to an end Saturday, as the Eagles dropped a 6-1 decision to Maryland, the No. 1 seed and defending NCAA champion, in College Park, Md.

The Terrapins jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the first half, before the Eagles (12-9) registered its lone goal. Anne-Meike de Wiljes scored American's goal off a penalty corner at 31:57. For de Wiljes, it was her eighth goal of the season.

However, Maryland responded with three second-half tallies to advance to next weekend's quarterfinal round of the NCAA Championship.

Earlier in the campaign, the Eagles and Terrapins met at American in a game which Maryland won, 3-0, after scoring two late goals to put the lead out of reach. American has faced Maryland twice in the NCAA Tournament, both times in the Elite Eight, but was beaten 2-0 in 2004 and 3-0 in 2005.

The Eagles have won the past seven Patriot League Tournament titles.