ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team kept seventh-ranked University of Iowa in check for a good portion of today's game including keeping the Hawkeyes scoreless for more than 40 consecutive minutes. Still, Iowa was able to put three goals on the scoreboard to come away with a 3-0 win over the Stags.

Fairfield's defense was challenged by the Hawkeyes' quick-strike offense that moved the ball around the field with precision at times. Iowa scored in the opening minute of the game after Fairfield goalkeeper Payton Rahn made an initial save off a shot from the top of the circle. The ball caromed back into play where Annika Herbine was able to gain control and the send the ball to the back of the cage just 16 seconds into the contest.

The Stags defense maintained composure from that point, turning away their nationally-ranked opponent for the remainder of the first quarter and the start of the second quarter. The Hawkeyes doubled their advantage in the 19th minute of play when Dionne van Aalsum made a nifty deflection that cleared the stick of Rahn and landed in the goal. From that point, Fairfield's back line answered each wave sent forward by Iowa which allowed the Stags to keep the score at 2-0 until the final minute of the game. The Hawkeyes finally found a way to get a shot by Rahn with a fine finish by van Aalsum with 1:02 left in the contest.

Fairfield was able to make a couple of runs at the Iowa goal with the best chance coming in the final minute of the second quarter. Sophomore Alex Senior found some open space inside the circle and took advantage with a shot that was blocked before it reached goal. Just a few seconds later, Lucie Vincent gained control of the ball and released a shot that seemed destined for the back of the goal but instead caromed off the post and away from any further danger.

Rahn finished the game with seven saves after facing 20 Iowa shots. 

After playing a pair of road games, the Fairfield University field hockey team will make their home debut next week when the team hosts Bryant University on Monday, September 4. The Stags and the Bulldogs will meet at University Field beginning at 11 am. Following the home game, Fairfield hits the road for three more games before returning home on September 24 against Villanova.