FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team evened up its Northeast Conference (NEC) record with a 3-1 win over previously-unbeaten Wagner College on Friday afternoon at University Field. The Stags improved to 1-1 in conference action while Wagner fell to 2-1 with the result.

Fairfield scored a goal in three of the four periods and controlled the game from the outset. While the offense was scoring goals, the defense kept Wagner in check, not allowing a shot through the first 30 minutes of the game. The offense was able to create several scoring chances in the first two quarters, two of which found the back of the cage. 

The Stags took the lead in the first quarter after they earned a penalty corner midway through the period. Alice Pifferi started the scoring play by sending the insertion directly to Pilar Mengotti who was just a few yards away from Pifferi. She took a shot from the left circle which caught the far corner of the goal to put Fairfield in the lead at 1-0 with seven-plus minutes remaining on the clock. Konni Hofmann was the only other Stag to put a shot on target in the opening quarter but the ball was kicked away by goalkeeper Saar Van Dalen.

The second quarter was also kind to the Stags as the home team was able to double up its advantage with fine stick work that set up the second goal. Catalina Ness was responsible for setting up the offensive chance by carrying the ball into the circle and sending a pass to the backhand of Alex Senior. The forward was stationed on the left side of the circle but sent a shot to the far right corner of the goal which beat the goalkeeper and improved the Fairfield lead to 2-0.

After halftime, Wagner stepped its pressure and began to send more balls inside the circle which not only several penalty corners but also resulted in seven shots. Despite their best efforts, the Seahawks were not able to penetrate the Fairfield back line as only one of those seven attempts required a save as most efforts were blocked or cleared away before getting to danger. With more attention needed in the defensive circle, the Stags offense managed just one shot in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Fairfield struck once again with Alex Senior being the beneficiary of more accurate passing around the circle. Rylee LaLoup eventually broke free and found Senior in open space which allowed the junior to finish the play with her second goal of the game. Senior is now tied for the team lead in scoring with three goals and one assist for seven points, a position she shares with Konni Hofmann. 

Wagner broke through 58th minute when a penalty corner resulted in some hectic play in front of the Stags goal which eventually led to a penalty corner. Off the corner, Wagner took a shot that was deflected off the cross bar and landed back in play. Floortje Leunisse corralled the rebound and pushed the ball over the goal line for the team's first and only goal of the game with two minutes remaining in the game.

Fairfield goalkeeper Emily Streib made three saves in the game while Van Dalen was credited with six saves in the Wagner net. The two teams ended the match with 12 shots each but the Stags put eight of their shots on target as compared to Wagner's four shots on goal.

The Stags will close out their NEC weekend by hosting Mercyhurst University on Sunday afternoon at University Field. The match is scheduled for a 12 pm start.