FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team clinched at least a share of the Northeast Conference (NEC) regular-season championship on the same day that it completed an unbeaten record on its home turf with the Stags edging LIU by a 2-0 score this afternoon.

Fairfield improved to 7-0 at University Field with the LIU decision and extended the team's home winning streak to nine games dating back to last season. The Stags would wrap the NEC Regular-Season Championship outright with a win over Merrimack College next Friday afternoon.

But today's main focus was a celebration of the senior class which was honored by the field hockey program prior to the match. Seniors Kate Fenner, Brigid Lowry, Hanna Saxon, and Carmel Van Dijk as well as graduate student Frances Mirabile were recognized for their roles on the pitch which helped the Stags achieve success over the last four seasons.

Once the game commenced, the Stags put together another dominant performance that saw Fairfield keep LIU in check for most of the game. The Sharks opened the game with an early penalty corner that resulted in a shot but it would be the only first-half attempt by the visitors.

The Stags took some time before establishing their flow offensively but found their way midway the first quarter. Fairfield took all three of its first-quarter shots in the final five minutes with two requiring a save from the LIU goalkeeper.

The second quarter provided five more shots for the home team with the fourth one being most impactful. Off a penalty corner, Dominique Van Der Zee was able to deflect at ball from Agustina Casteluchi into the back of the cage with under a minute remaining in the half, sending Fairfield into half time with a 1-0 lead.

The third and fourth quarters provided more offensive chances for both teams as both teams were credited with five shots. Fairfield converted on one of those opportunities when Catherine Fitzgerald ran down a ball on the right flank and delivered a cross which Lucie Vincent finished to add to the Stags lead in the 47^th minute.

LIU's best chance of the game also came in the fourth quarter but Fairfield goalkeeper Peyton Rahn was able to defuse the situation. With under three minutes to go, the Sharks brought the ball up field and into the circle before sending  the ball toward the far post. Emilce Paez was camped at the corner of the goal and one-timed a shot that seemed on its way into the goal. However, Rahn slid across the mouth of the goal and used her pad to kick away the chance and keep her clean sheet in place.

"LIU was a well-organized team and their goalkeeper played really well," Head Coach Jackie Kane said. "But we generated chances and took advantage when the opportunity was created. Payton made an incredible save at the end to keep us in front by two."

Fairfield finishes the regular season on the road with a pair of games next weekend. The Stags complete their NEC slate with a game at Merrimack on Friday afternoon before heading to the College of the Holy Cross on Sunday afternoon.