Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Julie DePaeuw scored the game-winning goal with less than a minute remaining in the first overtime as the Fairfield University field hockey team came back for a 2-1 win over Sacred Heart University. The win improved the Stags' overall record to 5-2.

To say the first half was a defensive struggle would be an understatement as the two teams managed just three shots through the opening 35 minutes. Fairfield had the better of that category with two shots, both of which forced Pioneers goalkeeper Mary Altepeter to make a save. Sacred Heart's lone shot was not on target so the two teams went into halftime with a scoreless tie.

Fairfield's offense came to life in the second half, but Altepeter was up to the challenge and turned away shot after shot. Sacred Heart also had a brief flurry of offense and took advantage when Liz Bergman converted a pass from Rachel Claroni with 23 minutes remaining in the half. That goal would stand for just three minutes with the tying goal coming with just under 20 minutes left in regulation. Christy Starsinic controlled a loose ball in front of the goal and poked the ball to the back of the cage to make it a 1-1 game.

That would be the final goal in regulation as the game remained tied 1-1 after 70 minutes of action. Fairfield doubled up the Pioneers' shot total in the second half, holding a solid 9-4 edge. But with the game still tied, both teams had an opportunity in the first overtime. Sacred Heart managed one shot in extra time while the Stags tallied four attempts. It was the team's fourth shot that was the difference as DePaeuw converted a penalty stroke with less than a minute remaining in the first overtime to end the game in Fairfield's favor, 2-1.

Stags goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett faced five shots and made one save to record the victory. Altepeter had 15 shots directed her way and made seven saves for the Pioneers. Fairfield finished the game with 15 shots while Sacred Heart collected five shots.

Fairfield remains on the road for its next game when the team travels to Siena College for a Sunday afternoon game.