FAIRFIELD, Conn. – It may have been only the first Northeast Conference game of the season for the Fairfield University field hockey team, but Head Coach Jackie Kane knows how important each contest is when chasing a spot in the conference tournament. Today, the Stags moved in the right direction by taking their conference opener by a 1-0 score against LIU.

"Last year we didn't make it to the two-team NEC playoffs so we want to make sure that doesn't happen again," Coach Kane said. "We have our eyes on the conference tournament with the hope that we can compete in it this year and today was the first step in making that happen."

The Stags came out aggressively and put pressure on the Sharks from the start, keeping LIU pinned in its defensive third in the opening minutes. That pressure paid off very early when Malen Iglesias opened things up with the game's first shot from the right side of the circle which goalkeeper Rachel Vellis kicked away.

The rebound landed onto the stick of Julianna Kratz, who quickly deposited the ball into the far corner of the goal to give the lead to Fairfield just three minutes into the game. The Stags continued to attack throughout the first quarter but the Sharks were able to keep them from padding their lead. Neither team really gained any true advantage in the second quarter as well with both team managing just one shot each during the 15-minute stretch.

In the third quarter, Fairfield had the better of things offensively, taking three shots which were all on target. But Vellis was able to maintain her composure and keep Fairfield from adding to the lead. The Sharks saw one chance come their way but Fairfield goalkeeper Zoe Rosen kicked the shot away from danger.

Both teams had a chance in the fourth quarter beginning with Emilce Paez who took advantage of an errant pass inside the circle and released a backhand shot that sailed over the net. Iglesias created another opportunity with a shot from the top of the circle just a few minutes later but Vellis was on top of the attempt. With three minutes remaining, Felicia King found herself close to goal with the ball and tried to push a shot for the tying goal, but Rosen covered the space quickly and turned away the attempt.

Rosen made three saves in the game which helped the goalkeeper post her second straight shutout. Vellis registered five saves for LIU in just over 58 minutes of action before being pulled for an extra attacker in the final two minutes.

"I am happy we were able to come out and score first so we could get that early lead," Coach Kane said. "We held together with a lot of composure today. When we were passing the ball effectively, they had trouble gaining any momentum. Everyone was engaged today because they understood the importance of the game. I am really proud how we came out today and how we finished with the win."

The Stags will travel to Lafayette College on Sunday for a non-conference game which beings at 2 pm.