FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The math seems simple enough for the Fairfield University field hockey team. For the most part, when the Stags score two or more goals in a game, a win is not too far behind. Head Coach Jackie Kane saw her team win its first seven games in which it scored multiple goals before last Sunday's 5-4 loss to Columbia. But even with that loss, Coach Kane saw a much needed boost in execution and in confidence during that shootout setback.

"We seemed to get things back on track offensively last weekend," Coach Kane said. "It started with a strong offensive push against Rider but we just ran into some bad luck with a two shots hitting the post and a few unfinished opportunities. We followed up with four goals against Columbia which showed that we are finding ways to score goals once again which is something we did frequently earlier in the season. Our midfield really stepped up against Columbia by scoring three of the team's four goals so I hope that continues this weekend and through the remainder of the season."

To further illustrate that point, one needs only to look at the statistics and final scores over the 12 games. During Fairfield's program-best seven-game winning streak, the Stags averaged three goals per game (21 goals scored). In the four games prior to Columbia, Fairfield managed just three goals and went 1-3 during that stretch with the one victory coming against a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opponent in Bryant University.

The Stags will need to continue to find those offensive opportunities if they have any shot at staying in the hunt for the MAAC regular-season title. Fairfield will host Monmouth University (9-6 overall, 4-0 MAAC) on Friday afternoon at 4 pm, The Hawks are the only remaining unbeaten team in conference play and need a win on Friday to clinch the regular-season title and home-field advantage for the 2018 MAAC Tournament. However, the Stags need to beat Monmouth and LIU-Brooklyn to stay even in the standings. Plus, Rider also remains in play for the regular-season title as the Broncs have a 2-1 record with road games against Bryant and Sacred Heart still on their docket.

"I think Fairfield and Monmouth both get up for the game because we have battling each other for the regular-season and tournament titles over the last few years," Coach Kane said. "And this year, the game is equally important to both teams. Whenever you have a game of this type of importance year after year, there comes a mutual respect and rivalry between the two teams"

Monmouth gains its offensive strength with its unrelenting pressure that produces a conference-best 15 shots per game. And the Hawks generally make good on those attempts as they place second in the MAAC for scoring offense with 2.73 goals per game. Georgia Garden Bachop represents the statistical leader in many offensive categories among all MAAC student-athletes, leading the conference in goals scored with 13 and in points per game with 2.64. In the team's nine wins this season, Garden Bachop has recorded the game-winning goal in six of those contests. Kelly Hanna is also enjoying a solid offensive season with 23 points in her 15 starts, registering nine goals and five assists to date. 

But the Stags have been successful in their defensive third throughout the season, collecting a conference-best five shutout and allowing only 1.32 goals per game which ranks first in the MAAC. Goalkeeper Zoe Rosen has earned a 0.73 goals against average in MAAC play this season, yielding just two goals in her three conference starts. For the season, Rosen owns a 1.06 goals against average which currently places sixth in the nation. 

Fairfield's offense features three student-athletes who have reached double figures in scoring, starting with team leader Emma Matlach. The sophomore has accumulated 25 points off a team-leading nine goals and a team-best seven assists in her 15 appearances. Danielle Profita currently places second among her teammates in all three offensive categories with seven goals and five assists for 19 points. Sam Giordano is also in double digits with 12 points which come off her four goals and four assists.

The Stags will also have a home game on Sunday against Colgate University, a team which enters the weekend with a 2-12 overall record and an 0-5 conference mark. Nora Mulroy paces the offense with six goals and 12 points, followed by Meghan Minturn with three goals and one assist for seven points. Anna Unger has handled most of the goalkeeper duties with 13 appearances and 12 starts, recording a 3.22 goals against average with a .700 save percentage.

The weekend will also feature a few special events as the University celebrates its annual Alumni and Family Weekend. On Friday, the field hockey team will play its annual Herd for the Cure game. Each Fairfield University athletic team will play a game to benefit the Norma Pfriem Breast Center in Bridgeport with 100 percent of the proceeds raised going to the Center. T-shirts are available for purchase beginning 1 hour prior to the start of the game at the entrance to University Field. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to promote breast cancer awareness.

Fairfield will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of its 1998 Patriot League regular-season championship as the Stags went on to win a program-record 14 games that season. The team will be recognized during Sunday's game against Colgate.