FAIRFIELD, Conn. – It hasn't happened very often. But, it's nice to know when it does that the Fairfield University field hockey team knows how to respond.
For just the second time in this year, the Stags found themselves trailing by goal against a Northeast Conference (NEC) opponent. And for the second time this year, Head Coach Jackie Kane's squad found a way to win the game.

Today's result was even more vital since the 2-1 victory over Rider University in the NEC Tournament semifinals sent the Stags to the conference championship game on Sunday. The game will feature Fairfield and the winner of the second semifinal game between host Wagner College and LIU at noon.

"Being down early never broke our confidence," Coach Kane said. "We knew that Rider was a team that can score. We needed to control the tempo, play our game, and when we did that, we were able to execute exactly what we drew up in our game plan."

Fairfield seemed in control early in the game, spending a good portion of the first five minutes, creating a couple of opportunities that went unfinished. The game took a turn though when Rider finally broke the Stags pressure and worked the ball up field. The Broncs took advantage of the chance when Julia Divorra used a nifty backhand that cleared the Stags backline and caught far corner of the cage to put Rider in front in the sixth minute.

The second quarter did not offer many scoring opportunities for either team as both Rider and Fairfield would work out one shot over the 15 minutes of play. However, the Stags made good on their one shot of the quarter when Jolanda Richter backhanded the ball into the goal, completing a play that was set up by Page Lowry off an penalty corner insertion from Danielle Profita.

 The Stags took the lead for good in the third quarter with Agustina Casteluchi driving the ball from center circle past the Rider goalkeeper with 1:52 remaining in the period. The goal was set up with crafty stickwork from Julianna Kratz, who brought the ball into the circle by working around two Rider defenders before centering the ball to Casteluchi.

Down a goal with 15 minutes remining, Rider became more aggressive offensively and challenged the Stags defensive unit. But as it has all season long, the back line and goalkeeper Zoe Rosen kept the opposition out of sorts and away from danger. The Broncs managed three shots in the period but only one required intervention from Rosen, a quality kick save that was quickly cleared by the Stags defenders.

The matched ended with both teams registering seven shots but six of Fairfield's found their target. Rider was nearly as efficient with five shots on goal. The Stags had a slight advantage in penalty corners, taking five to their opponents four set pieces.