BROOKVILLE, N.Y. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team was handed its first setback of the season by Long Island University (LIU) on Thursday afternoon, the Stags' first regular-season loss since a 6-4 decision against Northeastern in September, 2019. After that game, Fairfield won its next 12 regular-season games including three victories this season.

The Sharks took an early lead by scoring a first-quarter goal just five minutes into the contest. Sol Espona secured the ball off the back line and made a cut toward the front of the goal, finding free space a few yards away. She released a shot that caught the corner of the cage to put the home team in front at 1-0. The Stags had trouble gaining traction during the opening 15 minutes as they were only able to create one chance. Midway through the quarter, Fairfield was granted a penalty corner which was started by Danielle Profita. The ball landed on the stick of Luzi Persiehl who sent the ball toward goal but saw the shot blocked and cleared from danger. 

In the second quarter, both defensive units were on task and kept the opponent from securing any real opportunities. Fairfield was credited with the only two shots of the second quarter, both which came off a penalty corner with under five minutes left in the half. Kelly Buckley provided the first attempt which was kicked aside by goalkeeper Rachel Vellis. Just seconds later, Julianna Kratz found the ball on her stick which gave her the chance with the team's second shot but Vellis was once again equal to the challenge.

The third quarter seemed to belong to Fairfield as the team started the second half with an aggressive approach that landed it several shots in the opening minutes. The Stags tied the game four minutes into the quarter when they were awarded a penalty corner. The insertion went to Persiehl who sent the ball toward goal only to see it deflected. This time, Profita was stationed in front of the net which allowed her to regain possession and push a shot past the goalkeeper to tie the game at 1-1. It was the only shot for Fairfield in the corner although LIU did not manage much more with only one attempt in the 15-minute window.

Fairfield continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and the first overtime, accounting for both shots taken in the final 15 minutes of regulation as well as three of the four tries in the first 10-minutes as well. The second overtime turned the way of the host team as the Sharks did not yield a shot from Fairfield but managed to take three shots which required goalkeeper Zoe Rosen to record two saves.

With the game still tied at 1-1 after 80 minutes, the two teams gathered for a shootout to break the deadlock. LIU scored on three  of their first four attempts while the Stags were able to connect twice setting up a game-winning situation when LIU set up for the final shootout attempt. The Sharks ended the game with another shootout goal to take a 4-2 edge and end the game.

Fairfield will a week off before returning to the pitch as it will travel to Rider University on April 1 for another Northeast Conference (NEC) match up.