FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Regardless of sport, the last home game of the season always belongs to the seniors. Tears are shed. Hugs are shared. And, careers are regaled. And while a head coach wants to win every game, it's even more urgent to win that home finale to reward a senior class for four years of dedication.

                Head Coach Jackie Kane watched her field hockey team send off the Class of 2018 with an impressive 4-0 win over Siena College, a result powered by the play of her seniors. All four goals were scored by seniors and two of the team's three assists were created by the class.

                "I think the seniors played with a lot of heart and passion today," Coach Kane said. "They are very dedicated to our goal of winning the regular season (MAAC) championship as well as the tournament. I was very happy that we won the game for them today."

                Andrea Soler scored the game's first two goals, a senior who transferred to Fairfield after Missouri State University dropped the field hockey program following the 2016 season. Although she's been a Stag for a few months, Soler's impact has shown by her team-leading seven goals and 17 points.

                And while Soler's contributions have been recent, seniors Jamie Appelberg and Jaclyn Gallagher's offensive collaboration have been ongoing. The duo is in the midst of their fourth season together, so it was only appropriate that both of them posted a goal in today's win. Appelberg finished a well-made play by Gallagher, who sent a cross from right to center circle, which her classmate one-timed into the Siena goal.

                Gallagher ended the scoring for Fairfield with some nifty stick work after she received a long pass down the spine of the field from Hannah Pike. Pike's field vision is uncanny and has resulted in many scoring chances for the Stags this year. This one started when she controlled the ball on Fairfield's side of the midfield stripe, and hammered a pass that eluded every Siena defender before stopping on the stick of Gallagher. The senior carved some free space by dancing around the oncoming goalkeeper and pushing the ball into the empty net, providing Fairfield with its 4-0 win.

                "Jackie (Gallagher), Jamie (Appelberg), Hannah (Pike), and Andrea (Soler) have been our offensive push all season," Coach Kane said. "Their experience up front has been an important part of our success over the last few weeks. They are a cohesive unit that really makes some special things happen."

                But as well as the offense played today, Fairfield received another stellar performance by its defensive corps. Seniors Corrine Baliga, Erin Buckley, and Bridget Miles controlled play in the defensive third once again this afternoon, and provided all the support goalkeeper Caitlin Gilligan needed to record her third straight shutout.

                "Erin, Corrine, and Bridget have been solid for the past four years," Coach Kane said. "They are the foundation of the program. It's true when they say that offensive wins game but defense wins championships. They showed a lot of pride out there today and wanted another shutout. Today, they kept denying circle entry and came up with a lot of big tackles in the back field that kept Siena out of the game."

                The Saints did have a few opportunities but Gilligan was there to kick the ball away on each occasion. Siena's biggest threat came after Gilligan was whistled for a foul which resulted in a penalty stroke. Molly Hagen stepped to the spot and flicked a shot toward the far corner. Gilligan made the save by getting her stick on the shot which then ricocheted off the post and over the end line away from danger.

                Now, Fairfield will set its sights on the regular season finale when it plays Sacred Heart on the road, a game that will be played at Yale University's facility on Sunday at 5 pm. A win on Sunday night would bring the 2017 MAAC Tournament to University Field, giving the class a chance to extend senior day a little bit longer.