FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team kept pace in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) standings this afternoon by posting a 3-2 win over Bryant University at University Field. The win allowed Fairfield to remain in a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference standings, while handing Bryant its first conference loss in two games.

                I think we had great energy today," Head Coach Jackie Kane said. "I think we were resilient and covered for each other whenever there were misplays. I am excited that we had some new goal scorers."

                The Stags are tied with Rider and Monmouth in the standings as all three share a 2-1 MAAC mark. Fairfield and Rider will meet on Sunday afternoon, a game which could go a long way in providing some separation in the standings.

                But before the Rider game had any meaning, the Stags needed to take care of things at home and they did just that this afternoon. Right from the start, Fairfield showed dominance by pressing offensively. The aggressive style paid off early when Cassie Hughes scored off a penalty corner, a play set by Hannah Pike's insertion and Andrea Soler's stop. It was one of eight shots in the first half and 20 in the game for Fairfield.

                Bryant tried to counter to alleviate some of Fairfield's pressure and on a few occasions was successful in creating opportunities in the final third of the pitch. The Bulldogs tied the game with 15:01 left in the half as Ally Burdick collected a rebounded shot and one-timed a shot that caught the far corner of the goal.

                With the game tied at halftime, Fairfield stepped up its attack and began to find more and more opportunities inside the circle.

                "Their goalie was very aggressive and kept them in the game with some great saves," Kane said. "But we are confident now that if we keep pressing and putting shots on goal that we will score and that's what happened today."

                 Early in the second half, Hannah Pike broke the tie when she tipped in a rebound that went over the goalkeeper's shoulder and into the cage. The Stags continued its offensive push and ended up with another chance with less than 10 minutes remaining.

                Corrine Persichetti secured the ball just outside the left circle and crossed the ball toward the goal. Danielle Profita extended her stick and deflected the ball past the goalkeeper to provide a two-goal lead to Fairfield at 3-1.

                The goal was important because Bryant was able to pull closer with less than four minutes remaining. After Fairfield goalkeeper Caitlin Gilligan made a save off Kylie Nelson's shot, Emily Perryman was able to collect the rebound and push the ball into the unattended goal to bring the visitors within a goal at 3-2. Fairfield's defense was able to run out the final four minutes with crisp passing and brilliant stick skills that kept the ball away from Bryant's attack and out of danger