NORTH EASTON, Mass. – The Fairfield University field hockey team opened the Northeast Conference (NEC) portion of its schedule with a 5-1 win over Stonehill College. The Stags tied their season high for scoring, also reaching the mark in a 5-0 victory against Bryant University on September 4.

Fairfield applied pressure on the Stonehill back line from the onset, but the Skyhawks were able to hold their own through most of the first quarter. It wasn't until the 12^th minute when the Stags finally solved the Stonehill defense courtesy of a strong effort from Dominique Van Der Zee. The freshman made a brilliant run down the right side of the pitch before cutting toward the circle. She released a pass toward the center of the circle where Carmel Van Dijk swept the cross into the far corner for a 1-0 lead.

The Stags were able to add to their edge with a pair of goals in the second quarter. The first goal came just four minutes into the period, an opportunity that started once again with the stick handling of Van Der Zee.

She made a run down the center of the pitch before dishing the ball off to Van Dijk on the right side of the circle. The senior finished the play with another sweeping shot to the right side of the goal, pushing the score to 2-0. Agustina Casteluchi was responsible for the third goal when she completed a penalty shot that eluded goalkeeper Shannon Conte with 10:31 remaining in the first half.

Alex Senior posted her team-leading fourth goal of the season when she carried the ball from the left side of the pitch, into the circle, and moved past the charging goalkeeper to finish with a shot into the open goal. Four minute later, Fairfield did what it has done all season long – score off a penalty corner. Lucie Vincent accepted the insertion and found Pilar Mengotti open on the side, setting up the graduate student for the goal.

Stonehill averted the shutout with a goal in the fourth quarter as Raegan Hickey converted a rebound with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Payton Rahn made four saves in the Fairfield goal while Conte finished with a pair of saves for the Skyhawks. Fairfield, which held a 10-1 advantage in shots at the half, completed the game with a 12-8 edge in that department. The Stags were also effective through their ability to earn seven penalty corners, two more than their opponent.

Fairfield returns to non-conference play on Sunday when it hosts Columbia University at University Field. The game is schedule for a 12 pm start.