OXFORD, Ohio – A first-half goal gave the Fairfield University field hockey team a lead at halftime but 24^th-ranked Miami University rallied with a goal in the third and fourth quarters to post a 2-1 decision over the Stags on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams were locked into a defensive battle in the first half as only one shot was managed between the home and visiting squads. And, that shot resulted in the game's first goal as Agustina Casteluchi drove a shot past the goalkeeper with under one minute remaining in the second quarter. The scoring play was set up Julianna Kratz, who found the sophomore in open space just inside the circle.

The second half opened up more with both teams gaining advantages and chances to score a goal. Miami posed the most threats in the opening minutes of the third quarter, picking up all eight shots recorded in the period. However, it was the first opportunity that proved most beneficial for the Redhawks as Claudia Negrete Garcia converted a penalty corner into the tying goal, sending the ball to the far corner and past the Fairfield goalkeeper.

The Stags began to find more cohesiveness in the circle during the fourth quarter as they began to earn penalty corners which translated into shots. Fairfield turned those whistles into three shots including one on goal that was kicked aside by the goalkeeper.

Miami had just as many opportunities despite having one less penalty corner. The Redhawks finally broke through in the final five minutes when Paula Pena Martinez wrapped up a penalty corner for her sixth goal of the season.

Fairfield made a strong run in the closing minutes but was unable to find the back of the cage. The Stags were granted a penalty corner in the final minute but was turned away with another goalkeeper save. Despite a scramble in front of the net, the Stags were unable to put any follow up shots on cage and time expired with the Redhawks lead still intact.

Fairfield goalkeeper Payton Rahn faced 11 shots from the nationally-ranked opponent and earned three saves from those opportunities. Isabelle Perese saw four shots directed her way but forced to make just one save during the match.

The Stags return to the pitch on Sunday afternoon for another match up with a nationally-ranked opponent. Fairfield meets fourth-ranked University of Louisville for a 2 pm start. After this road trip, the team returns to campus for a date against Yale University on Sunday, September 25. The match will begin at 1 pm.