Fairfax, Va. -- A furious comeback by the George Mason women's lacrosse team in the second half was not enough as the visiting American Eagles edged the Patriots, 15-14, this afternoon at George Mason Stadium.

The Patriots trailed 8-3 at the half and 10-3 early in the third period, but scored eight of the next nine goals of the contest to tie the match, 11-11, with 8:44 remaining. In that stretch four Patriots scored, including three goals by Olivia O'Brien, and two each by Lauren Distad and Shannon Tuozzo. Overall, Mason held a 11-7 scoring edge in the second half.

American (1-2) scored three unanswered goals to lead 14-11 with 6:57 remaining. Mason responded rattling off three straight goals, including a game-tying goal by Ioanna Mantzouratos, assisted by Lauren Distad with only :34 seconds remaining. American's Stepanie Walsh scored the game-winner with a free position goal with nine ticks left in the match to give American its first win this season.

American had a slight, 29-28 edge in shots and shots on goal, 23-22. Mason won the ground ball battle, 17-6.

Noteables:

• Mason's Olivia O'Brien (3/0) and Lauren Distad (3/1) lead the Patriots with three goals each. O'Brien has nine goals in three games.
• Tristan Usher added four points with two goals and two assists for Mason.
• American was lead by grad student Emma Vinall with five goals.

Up Next:
The Patriots remain at home to host East Carolina on Friday at 4 p.m.