HAMDEN, Conn. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team kept top-seeded Quinnipiac off the scoreboard for the final 89 minutes, but it was a first minute goal that made the difference in the 2023 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship match as the Stags fell to the Bobcats 1-0.
 
The Bobcats earned the first corner kick of the game just 27 seconds into the match and converted their first chance as the MAAC Golden Boot award winner Courtney Chochol found the ball near the corner of the goal and hit it past the keeper for the first goal just 49 seconds after kickoff.
 
The Fairfield defense would settle down and get into the game, holding Quinnipiac off the scoreboard for the remainder of the match despite being out-shot 13-10, the first time this season they were out-shot by a MAAC team.
 
The Stags would have a chance to find the equalizer with six shots over the first 45 minutes, but only Elle Scott's attempt was on target and caught by the MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year in Sofia Lospinoso.
 
Needing a goal, the Stags could not find the possession they had most of the season, attempting just four shots in the final 45 minutes. Meghan Carragher had the first of two of those attempts on target and Maddy Theriault had the final chance for the Stags but her shot in the 83rd minute was saved.
 
In total, Fairfield had 10 shots and three corner kicks, in dropping their first MAAC Championship appearance since 2019.
 
The Stags had three All-Championship selections as Theriault, Reagan Klarmann, and Caroline Kelly all picked up the honors.
 
The Stags finish the season with 10 wins, the third time they have reached double-digit wins under Head Coach David Barrett.