FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Despite picking up a goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game, the Fairfield University field hockey team was edged by the University at Albany in double overtime. The Great Danes picked up the game-winning goal just two minutes into the second overtime to post a 2-1 decision over the Stags.

Both goalkeepers were on their spot at the start of the game with each being tested early. UAlbany's first good opportunity came in the sixth minute of the game when Julie Rodjik placed an attempt on target only to see goalkeeper Payton Rahn deflect the ball away from danger. The Stags also had an opportunity thwarted by goalkeeper Hannah Mangan, a chance set up by a penalty corner. After Julianna Kratz's initial shot was blocked by a defender, Emily Kness picked up the loose ball and sent a shot right back toward the cage which was handled by Mangan in the ninth minute.

The Great Danes were the first team to find the back of the net, a play which came in the second quarter. Just two minutes into the period, UAlbany earned back-to-back penalty corners with the second being the situation that led to the goal. Rodjik planted herself toward the far post and received a ball about 10 feet from the goal and redirected the ball past the goalkeeper to put the visitors in front, 1-0.

Rahn was much more active in the second half as the Great Danes were able to put more pressure on the Stags inside the circle. She was forced to make a pair of stops in the third quarter before turning away three more shots in the fourth quarter. Fairfield was also able to mount several runs in the second half including the one that would result in the game-tying goal.

The Stags were awarded a penalty corner just a minute into the fourth quarter which would be the spark they needed to get even in the game. Madison Hoskins started the play by sending the ball to the top of the circle. The ball was eventually passed to Nora Amme who sent the ball toward the far post. Kratz moved toward the ball and deflected it past the goalkeeper to bring the score to 1-1 with just over 13 minutes remaining. Neither team could manage to push any shot past the goalkeepers for the remainder of regulation sending the Stags to their first overtime match of the season.

UAlbany created a few more opportunities in the first and second overtimes with the deciding goal coming off the stick of Sophia Schoolmaker. She was able to collect a loose ball in front of the goal and one-time a shot into the opener far corner to end the game in the 72nd minutes of work.

The Fairfield University field hockey team will have another pair of home games next weekend which will conclude a four-game home stand. The Stags will host Drexel University on Friday, September 9 for a 4 pm match followed by a Sunday afternoon meeting with Lafayette College at 1 pm. Both games will be played at University Field on the main campus.