STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Fairfield University field hockey team captured the 2024 Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship this afternoon, edging top-seeded Wagner College by a 2-1 score. The victory sends the Stags to the 2024 NCAA Tournament which begins on November 13.

The first quarter provided limited opportunities for both teams as each managed just one shot through the first 15 minutes. Rylee LaLoup was responsible for the Stags attempt, but her shot in the seventh minute was blocked by a defender. Wagner's lone chance followed a penalty corner but the shot went wide.

In the opening minutes of the second quarter, Wagner put together a flurry that included three penalty corners in succession that produced four shots. Fairfield goalkeeper Payton Rahn made a pair of saves on the first two attempts while the other two were blocked in front by Stags defenders.

After seeing a shot saved in the 20^th minute, the Stags put the first goal of the game on the scoreboard courtesy of a penalty stroke from Alice Pifferi, who tucked the ball just inside the post to push Fairfield in front.

The second half started more promisingly for both teams as three penalty corners were whistled in the first three minutes. The Stags were the beneficiary of the first corner which set up a shot by LaLoup that was turned away by the keeper. Wagner also produced a pair of shots on successive corners but Rahn was equal to the task. However, the Stags were called for an infraction during just after that second shot which set up a penalty stroke. The home team connected on the attempt and tied the score at 1-1.

The game did not remain tied for long as Fairfield pushed forward down the right flank to create another scoring chance. Courtland Schumacher carried the ball into the circle and sent a cross to the center where LaLoup received the ball. After dragging the ball for a few feet, she released a back hander that eluded the goalkeeper and caught the far corner.

In the fourth quarter, Wagner had the better of things especially in the final eight minutes. The Seahawks drew four corners but could not produce any shots. Rather, the home team found more success in the last few minutes, taking three shots over the final five minutes but Rahn was able to collect a pair of saves during the stretch to preserve the win.

"This was a gritty win today," Head Coach Jackie Kane said. "We took chances today when opportunities were presented and we finished those chances. Defensively, Payton came up with some big saves. There really wasn't one person to single out defensively because the back three were always composed and cleared the ball when we needed it. I'm really happy for this team because everyone single person contributed to this win."

Fairfield will find out its opponent in the NCAA tournament when the NCAA announces the pairings during the selection show which is scheduled for 10 pm on Sunday night.