FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team nearly pulled off an upset this afternoon but came up one goal short against 11th-ranked University at Albany, falling to the Danes by a 2-1 score.

Albany started the game quickly when Anna Bottino converted a rebound off an initial shot that beat Fairfield goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett for a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Most of the first half pressure came from Albany as the visitors managed to put seven shots toward the goal. But Bennett was up to the challenge and turned away three shots, allowing the Stags to trail the America East leader by one goal despite taking just two shots in the half.

Fairfield responded at the start of the second half, mounting more offensive attacks which caused some issues for the Albany defense. But like their counterparts, the Danes never broke and kept Fairfield off the scoreboard until the 49th minute.

Felicitas Heinen made a brilliant run down the center of the field, carrying the ball for more than half of the playing area. She finally broke strike and found Ann Burgoyne open in the center of the circle. Burgoyne took an initial shot but the ball came right back into play. Kaitlyn Taddeo was on the receiving end of a pass that would allow her to find the far right corner of the goal, beating goalkeeper Maxi Primus who fully extended but could not reach the shot.

Both teams continued to press forward but neither offense could solve the other team's defensive scheme. That is until Albany finally found a slight opening late in the game and took full advantage. Once again, Bottino swarmed the circle and her aggressive play paid off. She made a strong move to her left and whirled around with a backhanded shot that found the back of the cage with just under 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

The goal stood up and Albany escaped with a one-goal victory despite an outstanding effort by the Stags.

“I am really proud of the effort put forth by our team today,” Head Coach Jackie Kane said. “Emily McCauley did a great job on their top scorer and kept her off the board. Fe Heinen was also strong defensively and Caitlin Bennett made some great saves to keep us in the game. There were a lot of positives today.”