No. 14 AU Field Hockey to Play No. 2 Maryland on Wednesday

Sept. 16, 2008

WASHINGTON - The American University field hockey team was ranked No. 14 in the STX/NFHCA National Division I Coaches Poll for the second straight week. The Eagles, currently 3-2, have played three nationally ranked opponents so far this season and will add a fourth to the slate on Wednesday at 3 p.m. when they head to No. 2 Maryland.

Fresh off a 5-2 win against Northwestern at the Terrapin Invitational, the Eagles have a game on Maryland's Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex under their belts. Maryland split its games over the weekend as host of the tournament, falling to then No. 7 Syracuse, 2-1, and defeating Northwestern, 10-1.

The match on Wednesday will be the 33rd meeting in the all-time series, with Maryland holding a 31-1 advantage over AU. The Eagles lone win in program history came in 2004, when AU won, 3-1, on the road in a game that featured three Infante sisters, a name that runs deep in the rivalry. Camila and Denise were All-Americans at AU, while Paula was an All-America selection at Maryland. This year marks the first season since 2003 that there will not be any Infante's on the playing field, however Denise is a volunteer assistant coach at AU, while Paula holds the same position at Maryland.

"We are really excited about the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead of us with our match against Maryland," said AU head coach Steve Jennings on the upcoming match. "They are a great team and always provide a stiff challenge--we will have to come out ready to play for 70 minutes with determination and poise. "

For those fans unable to attend Wednesday's match, a live radio broadcast can be found at www.wmucsports.com.