FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Head Coach Jackie Kane has always looked at the non-conference portion of the schedule as an opportunity, the chance to challenge her team by playing nationally-ranked teams so that it can be ready for those critical conference games that can potentially vault the Stags into the NCAA tournament. Recently, the Stags have traveled to the University of Michigan and the University of Iowa as part of that philosophy, and this year fits right into that mold.

The Fairfield University field hockey team will open the 2017 campaign by battling 10th-ranked University of Virginia on Friday afternoon, the first of a two-game southern swing for the Stags. The program will also play the College of William & Mary on Sunday to complete the weekend run.

"Anytime you play a team (Virginia) that reached the national quarterfinals, you have to see it as an opportunity," Coach Kane. "I have always looked at the non-conference season as a way to test our team and help prepare us for conference play. We will certainly be challenged by both Virginia and William & Mary, but we will also benefit from the experience."

Coach Kane appears to have the perfect blend of experience and youth that should carry Fairfield through the 2017 campaign. And at the heart of this year's team will be a group of seven seniors who will provide the offensive and defensive support as well as the leadership necessary for Fairfield to compete and contend this season.

"This class has worked for three years so that they would be ready to lead this team as seniors," Kane said. "Their example and work ethic will not only help us on the field this year but also set the example that our underclassmen will follow when it's their turn to lead our program."

Hannah Pike, a graduate student, and senior Jaclyn Gallagher are the team's top returning scorers and are poised to pace the team's offensive chances this season from the midfield. Pike registered eight goals and six assists for 22 points in her 21 appearances a year ago. Gallagher was one of the team's top play makers with eight of her 14 points coming in the form of assists.

The defense appears solid with the return of seniors Erin Buckley, Corrine Baliga, and Bridget Miles, who were regulars in the back during the 2017 season.  Jamie Appelberg and transfer Andrea Soler will play a role up front.

Coach Kane will have two goalkeepers battling out for playing time this Fall, namely junior Caitlin Gilligan and freshman Zoe Rosen. Gilligan picked up her first collegiate appearance as the starter against Providence last season and performed admirably with 10 saves on 13 shots on goal. Rosen will provide another solid option for the coaching staff especially as she adjusts to the collegiate game.

The Cavaliers ended the 2016 season with a 16-8 record after capturing the ACC championship and reaching the NCAA quarterfinals. Virginia has reached the quarterfinals in three of the last five years and earned a NCAA tournament berth in the four of the last five campaigns.

The team returns several key members of that NCAA tournament team, namely Tara Vittese, who recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in her 24 starts during 2016. She already ranks 10th all-time at Virginia for points (ninth-131), goals (10th-47), and assists (6th-37). Carrera Lucas started 20 games as the team's goalkeeper, earning a 1.92 goals against average with a .727 save percentage.

William & Mary finished second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) with a 9-10 overall record and an impressive 5-1 conference mark. The team will open the 2017 campaign with a Friday night match up against Duke University.

The squad includes CAA Defensive Player of the Year Erin Menges, who ranked ninth in the nation with nine defensive saves a year ago. Sophomore goalkeeper Morgan Connor should be back in goal after working her way onto the CAA All-Rookie team after playing every minute of her freshman campaign. Up front, senior Cammie Lloyd looks to keep up her pace set last year when she placed nationally with 36 points, collecting 15 goals and six assists in her 19 games.