FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team travels to Providence on Sunday for a 1:00 pm matchup against the Friars.
Fairfield (3-4) vs. Providence (1-7): The Stags are 1-7 all-time against the Friars. The last matchup between the two sides was on September 7, 2002 when the Stags claimed their only victory of the series with a 2-1 win.
A Look at the Friars: Providence is 1-7 thus far on the season. They will travel to New Hampshire on Friday afternoon before returning home to take on the Stags Sunday. The Friars are led by junior forward Adrienne Houle, sophomore defender Abby Thornton, and senior forward Emily Matthews who are the three leading point getters on the team with seven, five, and five respectively. Graduate goalkeeper Deidra Clymer and sophomore keeper Megan Guilbert have split time this season. The sophomore has earned the last two starts and records 24 saves with a 2.09 goals against average in her four appearances. The Friars earned their only win of the season against Brown at home in a 6-1 decision and will look to add to their win total at home on Sunday.
Last Time Out: Senior midfielder Emily McCauley recorded three points in the Stags' last outing against Hofstra on Wednesday. McCauley tallied one goal and one assist in the 3-2 loss. The midfielder was first on the board in the 13th minute when she found herself in the middle of the circle with a clear shot on goal which she fired past the Hofstra keeper. The Pride scored the next three goals of the game to take a 3-1 lead. The Stags tried to rally in the 55th minute when Jamie Appelberg deflected a hard pass from McCauley right into the net. The team squandered an excellent scoring opportunity on an Ann Burgoyne breakaway and pass to Kaitlyn Taddeo who was well defended and shot the ball just wide of cage, hitting the side of the net. After that, Hofstra held on for the 3-2 win.
National Notice: Junior forward Ann Burgoyne sits tied for 23rd in the nation with 0.86 goals per game. Burgoyne has six goals on the season thus far and leads the team in that category. Junior goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett also finds her name among the nation's best, ranking tied for 21st with 5.83 saves per game. Bennett has started six games for the Stags recording 35 saves overall.
Looking Ahead: Fairfield will head back to Philadelphia for a 4:00 pm game against La Salle on Friday, October 2.
