FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After all the milestones achieved during the 2014 season, the second-seeded Stags will look to add more history as they take part in the MAAC Semifinals in West Long Branch, N.J.  Fairfield will take on the third-seeded Niagara Purple Eagles on Friday at 5pm.  It is the fourth-straight trip for the Stags to the MAAC Final Four.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Fairfield is coming off a bounce back win, defeating Iona 3-0. The win also marked the 250th victory all-time. Karolyn Collins had a match-high three points, scoring a goal and dishing out the game-winning assist. Michelle Kowalksi notched the game-winning tally, while Small also tallied a goal. Kathleen Early picked up five saves for her third-straight shutout against the Gaels. The Stags allowed 14 shots, the tenth time this season where the opponent has notched 10 or more chances.

FAIRFIELD IN THE MAAC CHAMPIONSHIPS: The Stags are making their 21st MAAC Championship appearance in the 23-year history of the event. The Stags are 13-12-6 all-time in MAAC Tournament play and have won seven MAAC Championship crowns, the most of any active league member and more than the other 10 teams in the league combined (5).  Last season, Fairfield won it's first game in the
 MAAC tournament since 2008. The Stags defeated Manhattan in penalty kicks in the quar
terfinals last season, before topping Siena 1-0 in the semifinals.  Fairfield became the lowest-seeded team in league history to capture the MAAC crown in 2005, winning the championship as the number-five seed in Jim O'Brien's first season at the helm This marks the first time that the MAAC tournament will be held in West Long Branch, N.J., hosted by Monmouth. This is the first year where the tournament site was determined by the regular season champion.
 Both semifinals and the Championship Final will be streamed live on MAAC.TV.

THE 2014 SEASON: The Stags earned 14 victories in 2014, their highest mark since 2008, and tying for fourth most in program history. Fairfield has also scored 39 goals this season, also their most since 2008 when they scored 40. Fairfield has recorded a goals against average of 0.83, the fourth straight season where they tallied a GAA under 1.00.

LAP 250: Fairfield's last victory over Iona marked the 250th win in the program history. Fairfield maintains a record of 250-151-50.  Out of the 250 victories, 144 have come against the MAAC, 149 have come in a shutout, and 17 have come in the state of New Jersey.  The first-ever win in program history was a 3-0 decision, the 50th win was a 3-0 victory, and the 250th victory was a 3-0 decision. All of those milestones came in the state of New York. The 1st, 50th, 150th, 200th, and 250th have all been shutout wins.

THE SERIES WITH NIAGARA: The Stags lead the all-time series with Niagara 19-7-1 and are 6-2-1 in the last nine outings. However, Niagara was one of only two MAAC teams to defeat Fairfield this season. The Stags are 2-3 against the Purple Eagles in the playoffs, and have dropped the last two opportunities (2006, 2009). Fairfield last defeated Niagara in the playoffs in 2005.  The Stags and the Purple Eagles last played two weeks ago, with Niagara taking a 1-0 victory. The Stags were limited to two shots, which was the second lowest of the season. Fairfield had one lone shot on goal, which was the lowest of the 2014 season. Niagara scored in the sixth minute and only took five shots the rest of the way. Ashley Small had a match-high four shots, with one going on goal.

SCOUTING THE PURPLE EAGLES: Niagara (11-2-5; 6-1-3 MAAC) comes into the tournament as the third best defensive team in the conference allowing 0.73 goals per game. The Purple Eagles are currently on a seven match unbeaten streak including a win against the Stags. Niagara has only allowed more than one goal in a match three times this season and has only allowed three scores in their seven match unbeaten streak. Niagara has ten shutouts this year, nine by their starting goalie Claire Feiertag who has allowed 0.63 goals per game, the tops in the conference. Niagara is outscoring their opponent 25-12, with Haillie Price leading all players with six scores.

UP NEXT: If Fairfield advances they will play the winner of No. 1 Monmouth and No. 4 Rider in the MAAC Championship Final on Sunday at 3pm.