FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- It didn't take the Fairfield University field hockey very long to score a goal, but the Stags could not build upon that early goal as the University of Delaware posted a 4-1 win at University Field.

Fairfield's early execution was precise as the team controlled the ball right from the outset. After sending the ball deep into Delaware's territory off the opening play, the Stags pinned the Blue Hens down and kept pressure up. A loose ball ended up on the stick of Julie de Paeuw who cradled the ball through the left side of the circle. She quickly found Ann Burgoyne breaking toward the goal and pushed a perfect pass onto Burgoyne's stick. The junior finished the shot by finding the far corner of the goal to give the Stags a 1-0 lead just 89 seconds into the game.

But Delaware was not taken back by the quick start as the visitors gained possession and move the ball down field. Less than two minutes after Fairfield grabbed the lead, the Blue Hens tied the game when Kiki Bink set up a shot and a goal for Meghan Winesett at the 3:11 mark.

The game would remain tied through the first half as neither team mustered any true threats. By the time the horn sounded, Delaware doubled up on the Stags in the shot department, holding an 8-4 edge going into the intermission. Fairfield goalkeeper Caitlin Bennett was forced to make four saves as the defense limited second chances.

The second half was a different theme as Delaware would keep the ball in the Fairfield offensive end for most of the 35 minutes. The Blue Hens took their first lead seven minutes into the half as Jacki Coveleski tipped in an initial shot from Maura Zarkoski that made the score 2-1.

Taylor Lister showed her creativity three minutes later when she secured possession outside the circle and cut deep toward the near post, drawing a Fairfield defender. Lister saw Lisa Giezeman move toward goal and hit her with a pass in stride which was redirected past the goalkeeper for a 3-1 Delaware advantage.

The final goal came late in the game with just four minutes remaining on the clock. Greta Nauck took her first shot which was turned aside by Bennett. However, the ball came right back to her and she stick handled her way past the diving keeper and pushed a shot into the open net with 4:01 remaining in the game.

Bennett finished with 10 saves while Emmeline Oltsmans registered three stops for Delaware.

Fairfield returns to the pitch on Sunday at noon when the University of Michigan comes to University Field.