FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team was unable to score against a strong Michigan back line on Sunday, and fell 4-0 to the Wolverines.

The Stags held strong for 29 minutes before forward Courtney Enge was able to capitalize off a penalty corner to put the Wolverines up 1-0 heading into the half. Michigan would not look back after that as they would control much of the game from that point on.

Just over a minute into the second half, defender Lauren Thomas fired a shot from the left side that would rifle past Stag keeper, Caitlin Bennett. The Stags would have a quality opportunity off a penalty corner from freshman forward Ruth Smalbraak. The pass found its way to the stick of sophomore defender Erin Buckley, but the shot was blocked and Michigan was able to regain possession.

At the 44:30 mark, senior Shannon Scavelli redirected a hard crossing pass from freshman Lydia Sydnor right into the net. The Stags would try to regroup calling a timeout down 3-0.

Fairfield would have another scoring chance with less than 10 minutes to play when Smalbraak centered a penalty corner that found junior forward Julie de Paeuw who fired a shot just wide of the cage. Michigan would score just minutes later to go up 4-0, when forward Emma Way backhanded a loose ball into the back of the net.

The Stags were held to just eight total shots on the afternoon. de Paeuw and Buckley each had three total shots and one shot on goal for the Stags. The team was shutout for the first time this season, and has now conceded four goals in two straight games.  In cage, Bennett faced twelve shots and made four saves. Fairfield held the advantage in penalty corners, earning seven while only giving up four.

Sophomore Sam Swenson and senior Chris Lueb both saw action for the Wolverines and combined to make four saves.

Fairfield returns to game action on Friday, September 11 at 4:00 pm when UC Davis comes to University Field.