FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team dropped to 1-10 on the season after their sixth one goal loss of the season. On Sunday afternoon it was the Providence College Friars that topped the squad, 3-2.
The Stags jumped out to a one goal lead in the 13th minute. Kaley McMullen scored her third goal of the season off a penalty corner. She initially inserted the ball, then Jaclyn Gallagher fired off a shot that McMullen tipped in for the early score.
Providence answered eight minutes later when Abby Thornton deflected in a shot from the top of the circle by Mary O'Reilly to tie the score at 1-1. The score would stay level through the break.
In the second half, Providence took their first lead of the game as Megan Hamilton crossed the ball from the right post to Sylvia Miller in the center of the circle. Miller rifled a shot to put the Friars up 2-1.
Just four minutes later, the Stags would tie the game at 2-2. Julie de Paeuw passed the ball from the left corner to the center of the box where Hannah Pike collected it and scored.
For nearly 20 minutes neither side could break the tie. In the 62nd minute though it was Kara Sanford of Providence who notched the game winner. Natalie Mitchell passed from the center of the box to the left post to find Sanford for the goal. Fairfield managed just one shot in the final eight minutes as the Friars hung on for the victory.
The Stags were outshot 17-10 during the game and allowed seven penalty corners while attempting just four.
Sophomore Caitlin Gilligan made her first career start in goal and made 10 saves on the day.
“Today was Gilligan's first career start,” said Head Coach Jackie Kane. “I was really proud of her and how well she played. Her effort was tremendous and she did a great job when Providence had multiple shots in a row, making save after save.”
Next time out, Fairfield will begin MAAC play when they host Rider on Friday.
“We are looking forward to starting MAAC play, especially having the first game at home,” said the coach. “The team just needs to have belief that they can win after such a tough non-conference schedule. But our enthusiasm will be there and we will be ready to play on Friday.”
