FARIFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team had a chance to take over first place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a win over Monmouth on Sunday afternoon. But the now 5-0 Hawks had other plans as they shutout out the Stags 2-0 to clinch the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. Fairfield dropped to 3-2 in league play and currently sit in a tie for third place with Rider. Even with the loss, the Stags secured their spot in the tournament for the second straight season.
Fairfield started the game strong with back to back penalty corners in the seventh minute, but came away with just two shots as the Hawks managed to defend well. The first goal didn't come until the 26th minute for the home side. Monmouth was awarded a penalty corner and Julie Laszlo fed Alyssa Ercolino the ball and she finished it to put her squad up 1-0.
Still with a one goal lead, the Hawks opened the second frame with an offensive flurry. Monmouth had three shots within the first few minutes and forced the Stags' defenders to play their best. Unfortunately, the Fairfield offense couldn't get into rhythm in the second half only registering three shots with none on cage.
In the 69th minute, Monmouth made it 2-0 when Laszlo again found Ercolino who fired it home to extend the lead and secure the win.
Fairfield ended with eight total shots and three penalty corners as the Hawks defense was stifling. Emma Clark led the way with two shots while six other Stags fired just one. Caitlin Bennett was forced to make just three saves in net while facing 12 total shots all day.
The Stags wrap up their season next weekend with William & Mary and then LIU Brooklyn.
