The Kent State field hockey team (14-7, 6-0) fell to American University (14-6, 5-1) in the first round of the NCAA tournament, which came down to a last minute goal from American that put Kent State away.

Scoring did not kick off until late in the first period, as both teams pressed on defense looking to win the first round.

Kent State junior Ines Delpech found the back of the net first, scoring 20 minutes in with an assist from juniors Jessica Nesbitt and Silvia Figa Malgosa.

Neither team scored again until a goal from American’s Samantha McCormick 15 minutes into the second period, tying the game.

Flashes were simply unable to out-maneuver the American defense that they were presented with. American took 11 shots compared to Kent State’s four.

Both teams were able to fend each other off for a while, preventing one another from scoring. With less than three minutes left, senior Natalie Konerth scored after a corner to put American up 2-1, the final score.

Kent State got one more chance at scoring before the game ended, but turned it over to American who held it for the remaining minute of the game.

American University had a plethora of corners to work with, having 11 on the day to Kent State’s two.

Brandon Busby is a sports reporter, contact him at [email protected].