FAIRFIELD, Conn. – There aren't many opportunities left to forge those memorable moments For the Stags' senior class. Today, senior Jaclyn Gallagher seized one of those opportunities and made it memorable not only for her and the seniors, but the entire Fairfield University field hockey team.

The midfielder secured a rebound off of Cassie Hughes' initial shot, dribbled past the goalkeeper and stroked  a shot into the empty net to push the Stags past Temple University in overtime, 1-0, at University Field. The victory was Fairfield's fourth in the last five games and also provided a good end to the team's non-conference portion of the 2017 schedule.

"Jaclyn showed a lot of heart on that play," Head Coach Jackie Kane said. "She is the type of player who always plays aggressively and never gives up on any play until the play is over. She did a nice job of finishing for us today."

Gallagher's goal may grab the headlines but the Kane was quick to point out the Stags' defensive efforts when reviewing the team's play this afternoon.

"Defensively, we limited the opportunities that Temple had today and kept them in the middle third of the field for most of the game," Kane said. "And when they did have a chance to put the ball on goal, Caitlin (Giiligan) was there to make the save and get the ball out of danger. Our success was because of the strong effort by every one of our defenders."

In the first half, Fairfield limited the Owls to just one shot and the attempt did not require a save by the goalkeeper. The Stags on the other hand had a few chances that required some stress for the Temple defense but goalkeeper Maddie Lilliock handled each situation. Just three minutes into the game, Danielle Profita, who was standing next to the far post, nearly deflected a shot into the goal but Lilliock was able to tip away the potential goal.

The Stags held a small advantage on shots in the second half, outperforming Temple by a 6-5 count in that category. Four of Fairfield's attempts were on target, but Lilliock was able to kick or tip away the ball, keeping the game scoreless.

Fairfield nearly won the game in regulation as Andrea Soler provided a strong bid to end the game with a shot with 10 seconds on the clock that forced Lilliock to make a diving save. The ball ricocheted back to Sam Giordano, who one-time the ball back toward the goal. The shot hit the post as time expired, forcing the game into extra time.

Hannah Pike nearly ended the game in opening minutes of overtime when Gallagher controlled a loose ball at the top of the circle and sent a ball toward the far post. Pike was standing there unmarked but the ball skipped over her stick and over the touch line. But less than two minutes later, Gallagher provided the heroics with her play that ended the game.

Gilligan made two saves, both in the second half, to earn her second shutout of the season.

Fairfield will finish the regular season with a pair of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) games with the hopes of grabbing one of the four conference tournament spots. The Stags host Siena College on Friday, October 27 and play Sacred Heart on October 29 at Yale University. Before the Siena game, the Stags field hockey program will honor their seniors for their contributions over the last four years.

                The ceremony will be yet another memorable moment for the Class of 2018.