FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey team will open up the home portion of its schedule on Friday afternoon by hosting the College of the Holy Cross beginning at 4 pm. The Stags will also welcome La Salle University to close out the weekend, playing the Explorers on Sunday at 1 pm.

The team opened its 2024 season on the road but came away with a 2-1 setback against Bryant University. Fairfield surrendered a couple of late goals to find itself trailing, the first coming with under a minute left in the second quarter and the second occurring with two-plus minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Fairfield broke through the Bulldogs defense when Augustina Casteluchi sent a crossing pass from the right side, allowing Rylee LaLoup to one-time her shot into the top part of the goal. The goal was the first of LaLoup's collegiate career and helped her earn a spot on the Northeast Conference's Prime Performers weekly list.

Holy Cross opened its 2024 season with a pair of home victories, beginning with a 3-1 win over Stonehill College before edging out LIU in overtime by a 4-3 margin. Meggan Fiore was one of the team's three goal scorers in the decision over Stonehill while Mia McCloskey turned away three shots in the Stonehill match

In the LIU contest, Fourie paced the Crusaders' attack with a pair of goals while Maguire Sturgis pitched in with two assists. Holy Cross was equally successful in the defensive circle behind the efforts of Mia McCloskey who tallied five saves in the match.

La Salle also began the season with a pair of victories including a 2-1 decision over Wagner College. Rodrigo Zhao broke a 1-1 tie with a fourth-quarter goal finding the back of the cage in the 57^th minute. Zhao also tallied a goal in the 4-1 win over Queens University of Charlotte, one of four different scorers on the day. Goalkeeper Abby Boggs made six saves in the season opener before turning away one shot in the LIU outing.

The Stags have one more home game on the docket before returning to the road during next weekend's play. Fairfield hosts Yale University on Friday, September 13 at University Field before making the trop to Lehigh University on Sunday, September 15. Fairfield plays seven of its first 10 games at home this season.