ORONO, Maine – Despite holding an advantage in shots taken and penalty corners, the Fairfield University field hockey team was unable to crack the Maine defense, resulting in a 2-0 setback to the Black Bears. The defeat ended the Stags six-game winning steak and brought their overall record to 10-3.
The first half saw limited scoring opportunities for both teams although the statistics showed Fairfield had a few more chances. Whenever the either offense tried to mount any serious attack inside the circle, the opposing defense was able to stop the challenge before any real danger popped up.
In the first quarter, three shots were taken between the two teams with Maine having the first chance just three minutes in. The Stags came away with two shots later in the quarter with
Pilar Mengotti's attempt being blocked before it reached the goal and
Agustina Casteluchi's attempt was set aside by defender Poppy Lambert.
The second quarter was equally defensive oriented but the goalkeepers had to be more involved on this group of shots. Maine once again threatened early with a pair of shots just two minutes into the period but Fairfield goalkeeper
Payton Rahn saved both attempts to keep the game scoreless. Goalkeeper Jayde Tembe also was tested in the period when Casteluchi put another shot on target but she was able to turn away the try.
Maine was first to put a goal on the scoreboard when it found the back of the cage in the third quarter. Midway through the period, Tereza Holubcova was able to collect the ball in a free area of the circle and released a back-handed shot that went off a stick and caught the upper corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead. Noor Helleman tested the Maine defense later in the quarter with a shot that forced another save from Tembe.
Rahn provided the Stags with another strong sequence that saw the junior face three shots in succession, making two saves before the third attempt went wide of the goal. However with four-plus minutes left in the game, Maine converted another penalty corner chance that put the game out of reach courtesy of Mallory Mackesy's goal.
The Stags stepped up the pressure up front which put three shots on target but Temby was able to make the save each time to keep her clean sheet in play.
Fairfield finished the match with 12 shots compared to Maine's 10 shots taken with each side putting five shots on goal. The Stags also had an advantage on penalty corners, taking nine while Maine was able to secure six. Rahn finished the match with six saves while Temby was credited with five saves in addition to the one defensive save.
Fairfield will return to Northeast Conference (NEC) play next weekend when the Stags host Rider on Friday, October 20 before welcoming LIU on Sunday, October 22. Both games will be played on University Field.
