Box Score FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team improved to 3-0 on the road this season with a 4-2 victory over Providence on Sunday afternoon. The team also improved their record to 4-4 on the season.
The Stags found themselves down 1-0 just 10 minutes into the game when Emma Lucas found the net for the Friars off a one-timed shot that was passed into the middle by Abby Thornton.
Fairfield would have an answer, first from Ann Burgoyne. Ruth Smalbraak sent in a shot that was deflected into the net past keeper Megan Guilbert by Burgoyne to notch the game at 1-1. The goal from Burgoyne gave her seven goals on the season thus far, leading the team in that category. Just one minute later Jaclyn Gallagher found the back of the net when she dribbled on the left baseline and was able to beat the keeper with a tremendous low angle shot.
The Friars would tie the game at 2-2 before the end of the half. Corrine Kenney made the most of a Salene Shafer pass by taking a quick shot that beat Stag keeper, Caitlin Bennett. That would end the scoring for the Providence side as the Stags would hold the Friars from then on.
Out the break, Jamie Appelberg got in on the scoring action as she reclaimed the lead for Fairfield. The sophomore collected a pass from Maclaine Matties inside the circle and fired a shot over the keeper to take a 3-2 advantage.
Erin Buckley gave Fairfield a two goal cushion as she scored her first career goal for the Stags in the 50th minute. Kaitlyn Taddeo took the penalty corner that went right to Buckley who had a clear shot on net. The sophomore led the team with 18 shots this season and was finally able to capitalize with a goal of her own. And with that score she became the ninth Stag to record a goal this season.
The Fairfield defense had another strong game as they defended against 15 Providence shots and 13 corners. Bennett earned her third win of the season while making 10 saves. The Stags fired off eight shots on the day and earned four penalty corners.
The four goals scored was the most goals scored this season since their opening win in which they scored six. Four players tallied a goal and six players tallied at least a point for Fairfield.
The Stags have two more road games coming up as they head to La Salle on Friday and then to Harvard on Sunday.
