FAIRFIELD, Conn. – You couldn't ask for a more picture perfect day in the final regular season match of the 2017 season, and you couldn't ask for a more evenly played contest. The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team and the Marist Red Foxes combined for 29 shots but fought to a scoreless 0-0 draw on Senior Day. With the result, the Stags have clinched the seventh-seed in next week's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament held in Orlando, Fla.
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The Stags (6-9-1; 4-5-1) had a couple of early chances in the final third as
Alex Madden played a couple of through balls into the box, but both of
Sara Plowman's final touches were nabbed by Marist's goalkeeper Makala Foley.
Liz Dumas also had a chance to put the Stags in the scoring column as she recorded the first shot of the second half, but it was also picked up by Foley.
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On the defensive side, the Stags used three defensive backs:
Jackie Goudreault,
Melanie Hingher, and
Katherine Lynch to keep Marist (8-7-3; 5-3-2 MAAC) off the scoring column and also used the assistance of midfielders
Jenny Jacobs and
Maggie Walsh.
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Making her final start on Lessing Field, goalkeeper
Jenna Pike recorded a season-high five saves in the contest. Pike started her afternoon by heading out a Marist shot, which was later cleared off the line by Jacobs.
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The match was physical throughout, with five yellow cards and 35 combined fouls. That set up numerous opportunities for both sides.
Gabby Diodati had a set piece just outside the top of the box in the second half, but her attempt just sailed over the crossbar.
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Fairfield played in their fourth overtime match of the season, and recorded one shot in extra time, with Diodati's attempt sailing high in the second overtime.
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The Stags have earned the seventh-seed in next week's MAAC Championships. The quest for their eighth MAAC Championship, will begin in a first-round match against the tenth-seeded Iona Gaels on Saturday at 12:30pm.
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