FAIRFIELD, Conn. - All they need is a result. The Stags still control their own destiny in trying to earn a first-round bye in the upcoming MAAC tournament. The Stags (13-4-1, 7-2-0 MAAC) need to either pick up a point by either drawing or winning at Iona, or rely on Marist to either tie or beat Niagara.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: In a battle of the top-two defensive teams in the conference, the Niagara Purple Eagles were able to slow down Fairfield's offense. The Stags attempted just seven shots on the afternoon and only one on goal. Fairfield allowed the lone goal of the match in the sixth minute when Danielle Kennedy took a pass and was able to touch the back of the net. Ashley Small took a match-high four shots and had the only shot on goal.
FAIRFIELD IN ANOTHER MAAC TOURNAMENT: Regardless of any result, the Stags have clinched a spot in the conference tournament for the fourth-straight season and the ninth time in the ten-year Jim O'Brien era. The Stags advanced to the MAAC Championship final last season for the first time since 2008, which was their last MAAC Championship crown.
WE'RE ON THE EDGE OF HISTORY: Fairfield is one win away from yet another milestone achieved this season. The Stags have currently tallied 249 wins in their program history, just one shy of the 250 win plateau. Fairfield will be playing in their 451st game in their history and has an all-time record of 249-151-50.
HOW HIGH CAN YOU GO?: The 13 victories that the Stags have tallied this season is the most that the Stags have gained in a season since 2008. The 13 victories is tied for the fifth most in program history.
THE SERIES WITH IONA: Fairfield has earned a point in 20 of the prior 23 matches against Iona, holding a 16-3-4 record all-time. The last Fairfield loss came in 2011 by a 1-0 decision. Twenty-one of the matches in the series have resulted in shutouts, with Iona only scoring six goals in the 22-year history. Ashley Small and Molly Moran have both tallied a goal in the series while Emily Wieczorek has tallied an assist. Kathleen Early has not allowed an Iona goal in the series with four saves in her 180 minutes of play.
SCOUTING THE GAELS: Iona is coming into the match unbeaten in four of their last six matches. The squad has tallied nine goals in their last three matches, with seven of those coming against Saint Peter's. Iona is led by Erica Flowers who has a team-high which is tied for third in the conference. A young team, the Gaels have won seven on the possible 10 Rookie of the Week awards, with Charlotte Stuart winning three, Julia Campagna winning two, and Marisa Bentley also taking home a couple. The freshmen account for 13 of the 25 goals scored on the season. The Gaels split time in goal with Lauren Ferris starting 11 of her 12 appearances, allowing 1.96 goals per game and Morgan McBrier giving up 0.98 goals per match in her seven starts and 13 appearances.
UP NEXT: Fairfield will take part in the MAAC tournament. If the Stags win or tie, or Niagara loses or ties, the Stags will play in the semifinals in Monmouth, N.J., on Friday, November 7. If the Stags lose AND Niagara defeats Marist, the Stags will host a first-round match at Lessing Field on Saturday.
