AU dropped its second straight Patriot League conference game 9-7 to Holy Cross on March 15.
Senior midfielder Emily Maher continued her offensive campaign with three goals on the day, bringing her season total to 13.
The Crusaders (4-5, 2-0 PL) struck first at 27:16. Sophomore attacker Jessica Wojciechowski responded with two unassisted goals within three minutes to give the Eagles (2-6,0-2 PL) the lead.
However, this was short-lived as they allowed the Crusaders to score three unanswered goals. At 11:46 finally Maher, with the help junior defender Emily Shields, scored her first goal of the game to bring AU within one.
Sophomore midfielder Olivia Mangan continued the scoring with two unassisted goals of her own and with three minutes left in the half AU regained the lead, 5-4.
AU’s lead did not last, as Holy Cross was able to scored 12 seconds later to go into halftime tied 5-5.
In the second half the Crusaders came out shooting, scoring one goal quickly to retake the lead. They controlled the ball for most of the half scoring two more goals in the next 15 minutes.
With less than a half to go Maher scored her second of the day. Down 8-6 AU buckled down defensively and didn’t allow another Holy Cross goal until 5:13.
Maher scored her final goal of the day with 2:23 to go but the Eagles were unable to rally in time as the clock ran out.
AU was able to outshoot Holy Cross 24-23, but 13 turnovers led to many missed opportunities. The Eagles finished zero for three in free position shots while Holy Cross converted two of four. Freshman goalkeeper Jackie Ferri earned eight saves.
AU looks to bounce back as they open their home stand March 19 against conference rivals United States Naval Academy.
