LOWELL, Mass. - The Fairfield University field hockey team closed their 2014 regular-season with a 3-2 overtime victory. The Stags defeated conference foe UMass Lowell at Cushing Field this afternoon to clinch the final spot in the America East Tournament for the third consecutive year. Sophomore Ann Burgoyne netted two goals for Fairfield, including the game-winner.

Scoring started early, with UMass Lowell's Christa Doiron putting the River Hawks on the board at 14:53 when she scored off a scrum in front of the net. Despite six penalty corner attempts, the Stags were unable to score in the first half, giving UMass Lowell a 1-0 lead into halftime. 

The second half started much like the first, with Doiron scoring at 35:59, when she dribbled into the circle and chipped the ball past goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett. Fairfield battled back and was able to shift the momentum for the rest of the game. Burgoyne netted the first goal for Fairfield at 41:22 when she put back a rebound in front of the cage.

About eight minutes later, junior Kaitlyn Taddeo tied the game at 2-2 when she scored off a penalty corner. The goal was assisted by Felicitas Heinen. Play continued but neither team was able to score again in regulation, forcing overtime. The final goal of the game came at 77:52. Burgoyne found the back of the net when she shot in between goalkeeper Kelsey Federico's legs, yielding a final 3-2 victory for Fairfield.

Goalkeepers Bennett faced 14 shots on the day, stopping 12, while UMass Lowell's Federico tallied 13 saves. The Stags were slightly outshot 27-25, but had a 12-6 advantage in penalty corners.

Fairfield (7-11; 2-3 America East) has now closed their 2014 regular-season campaign. The Stags will look to challenge in the America East Conference Tournament first round on November 6.