FAIRFIELD, Conn – In a tightly contested game, the Fairfield University field hockey found a way to break a tied game with a third-quarter goal that stood for the remaining 20 minutes as the Stags came away with a 2-1 win over the University of New Hampshire.

Both team found ways to challenge the other team's back line with Fairfield getting the early advantage. Just three minutes into the contest, Konni Hofmann created some havoc in the center of the circle, taking a shot which was saved but the rebound landed back on her stick. Hofmann sent a second shot toward goal but again, the ball was kicked away but this time it landed away from danger.

New Hampshire didn't get its first shot until the team's first penalty corner in the 13^th minute, which set up Kathelijne Knuttel's attempt from a few yards away. Just a few seconds later, the Wildcats were granted a penalty stroke which was taken by Nicole Poulakis. Fairfield goalkeeper Emily Streib stopped the stroke with a dive to the left post, keeping the game scoreless.

The Stags were the first team to put a number on the scoreboard when Catherine Fitzgerald stationed her self just off the right post. Erin McGinley guided the ball her way, allowing Fitzgerald to redirect the ball into the corner of the cage.

The 1-0 lead carried into the half and remained intact for first six minutes of the third quarter. At that time, New Hampshire's Knuttel accepted a pass from Faye Meijer, and lifted the ball over the outstretched pad of Streib to knot the game at 1-1.

Fairfield rallied later in the quarter to score the eventual game winner when Agustina Casteluchi collected the ball following a penalty corner and sent the ball into the circle. Alex Senior was in the vicinity of the pass and finished the play with the team's second goal with 5:05 left in the period.

The Wildcats had the better of the offensive play in the fourth quarter, outshooting the Stags by a 5-2 count over the final 15 minutes. But Streib was able to turn away the three shots that were on target and keep her team in front for the remainder of the game.

Streib finished the match with a season-best eight saves while allowing just one goal. The fifth-year student-athlete pushed away five shots in the second half. New Hampshire goalkeeper Abby Johnson faced 10 shots in the game and made three saves during her 60 minutes of action.

The Fairfield University field hockey team will have the weekend off, returning to action next Friday when they open Northeast Conference (NEC) play. The Stags will travel to Rider University on September 27 before hosting the University of Maine on Sunday, September 29.