WASHINGTON, D.C.- Rachel Masullo scored a season-best four goals, but the Long Island University women's lacrosse team was unable to overcome a powerful Eagles offense, falling to American University 11-18 on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Sharks opened up the game scoring three unanswered goals to take a quick 3-0 lead. Rachel Masullo scored twice in the first minute of play, before Paige Sherlock scored her first of the game extending the Sharks' run. The Eagles then responded with a six-goal run over the next ten minutes. Sherlock broke open the run with her second goal of the game to put the Sharks back within two goals. After American scored two more goals, Sara Stephens responded with a goal of her own. Elise Person scored late in the first half, but American would go into the break holding onto a four-goal lead.   
 
The Eagles opened up the second half with two quick goals, but the Sharks responded with three unanswered goals of their own. Amanda Masullo scored her first of the day, while Person added her second goal just 40 seconds later. Rachel Masullo capped her hat trick six minutes into the second half, bringing the Sharks back within three. The Sharks and Eagles traded goals for the next six minutes. Person scored her third of the day, capturing her second hat trick of the season. After the Eagles scored once more, Rachel Masullo scored her fourth goal of the day to get the Sharks back within three with 18 minutes left to play.
 
The Eagles were able to pull away after scoring four unanswered goals. In that run, Brianna Feldman had a free position shot, and Amanda Masullo had two shots, all of which were saved by the Ealges' goalkeeper. Amanda Masullo capped the game when she scored her second of the day, breaking up the Eagles' run with four minutes left to play. She also had a free position shot that missed high and a shot in the last minute which was once again saved.
 
Hailey Duchnowski matched her career-high 15 saves in net for the Sharks. Rachel Masullo led all scorers with a season-high four goals. She also had a season-high two assists, and pulled in a season-high 11 draw controls.  
 
The Sharks return to action next Saturday, March 7 when they host La Salle in their Breast Cancer Awareness game. Opening draw against the Explorers is set for 11:00 a.m. at Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium.