FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey learned its opening round opponent for the 2021 NCAA Field Hockey Championship which begins play on Wednesday, November 10. The Stags will travel to the University of Delaware for their opening round game with game time to be announced.

"We are familiar with Delaware's program and have had the opportunity to play in the past," Head Coach Jackie Kane said. "They are a very good side with strong structure but we are hoping we will match up with them well and have a solid game with them on Wednesday."

The Blue Hens captured the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title this weekend with a 3-1 victory over James Madison University, earning the automatic bid. The Stags garnered their automatic bid through its 3-1 win over LIU in the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship game.

Delaware owns a 12-8 overall record which includes its 5-1 CAA slate after winning five of their last five contests. The Blue Hens scored six goals in their two CAA Tournament games, beating both JMU and William & Mary by 3-1 scores. Morgan Rigual was responsible for three of those goals, netting a pair against William & Mary and adding another in the James Madison game. Goalkeeper Lizzie Gaebel performed admirably with 10 saves in the two tournament game, highlighted by her eight stops against James Madison.

Fairfield brings a six-game winning streak into the NCAA Championship which was extended by its win over LIU and 2-1 semifinal victory against Rider. Jolanda Richter posted a goal in each game including the game-winner in the title game which earned her the Tournament Most Valuable Player award. Luzi Persiehl put together a stellar performance in the championship game as well with a goal and two assists. Goalkeeper Zoe Rosen continued her fine season with seven stops with four coming in the championship game.