WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team went toe-to-toe with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular Season Champions on their home turf, but Monmouth was able to prevail in the hard-fought battle by a 2-0 final score. The Stags finish the regular season with a 7-2-1 mark, earning the second seed and a first-round bye in the MAAC Tournament.
 
Although the final score reads 2-0, the Stags (10-5-3, 7-2-1 MAAC) came inches away from making a serious statement in the game. With just two minutes left and trailing by one goal, Gabby Diodati sent a shot that went over the head of Monmouth's goalkeeper Amanda Knaub, but hit off the crossbar and the Hawks were able to clear.
 
The Stags kept pressuring to find the late equalizer and had a shot inside the box. Ally Filipkowski's shot was able to lift over the defense but right into the hands of Monmouth's goalkeeper.
 
Monmouth would turn that opportunity into a counter attack where Madie Gibson was able to finish the 1v1 opportunity with 50 seconds remaining, for the 2-0 final score.
 
After only having one shot in the first half, the Stags played much more aggressively offensively in the second stanza, registering three. All of those opportunities provided a challenge for the Hawks. Melanie Hingher also had a lined shot on goal where Knaub had to reach up and stop the attempt.
 
The Stags were out-shot 18-4 in the contest but held to a 7-3 deficit in the second half. Gena Pike made four saves in goal for the Stags while Knaub stopped all three attempts on net.
 
Fairfield will next play in the MAAC Championship semi-final, hosting the match as the second seed. The Stags will take the pitch on Thursday. Nov., 7 at 7pm.