FAIRFIELD, Conn. --- Close games seem to have become the norm for the Fairfield University field hockey team, especially on its home turf. For the fifth time this season, the Stags played a game in one goal decided the outcome, this time coming up short against unbeaten Columbia University by a 2-1 score.
Today, Columbia used a quick strike on a counter attack to post the game's first goal which came just a few minutes into the contest. Sophie Rockefeller converted a pass from the left side of the circle with a one-time tap that skidded to the far corner of the goal to put the visitors in front in the sixth minute. Columbia would manage just two more shots the rest of the quarter, one of which required a save, while the Stags were not able to get any attempts off against the Lions through the first 15 minutes.
The pace picked up in the second quarter as Fairfield found ways to challenge the opposition by spending most time in the circle.
Ymke Huisman was responsible for the Stags best chance of the quarter, collecting the ball about 10 yards from the line and blasting a shot from the left side that was kicked away by goalkeeper Alexa Conomikes. Columbia worked some offensive sets as well and came away with four shots but none of those attempts were on target.
Trailing by a goal at halftime, Fairfield opened up the third quarter with a more pressing attack that provided more scoring chances in the opening minutes. One of those chances came in the seventh minute when Columbia was whistled for an infraction that set up a penalty stroke at the 36:38 mark.
Malen Iglesias stepped up to the spot and flicked a shot into the far corner of the goal to tie the game at 1-1. The deadlock was short lived though as Columbia came down 33 seconds later and netted what proved to be the game-winning goal. After goalkeeper
Zoe Rosen made a save on an initial shot from the right side of the circle, Isabella Collins was able to secure the rebound and push the ball right back toward the back of the goal.
Fairfield had the better of things in the fourth quarter by accounting for all three shots taken between the two teams including
Madison Hoskins' try that was pushed aside by goalkeeper Conomikes. By the end of the match, the shots were nearly even with Columbia holding a 12-10 edge.
The Fairfield University field hockey team will have a week off before coming back to the pitch for a September 24 matchup at Drexel University. The game is scheduled for a 4 pm start.
