FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University field hockey played its first game as a member of the CAA, and nearly came away with a win over defending conference champion Drexel University. But a late fourth-quarter goal was the difference in today's contest as the Dragons upended the Stags by a 2-1 count at University Field.
"Drexel is a very good team, and I think we played very well against them," Head Coach
Laura Gebhart said. "I think we need to learn from this game that we need to take control of game management in key times during the game. We just need to some different solutions in those moments. I really proud of the team's effort today."
It didn't take Fairfield very long to establish itself with its CAA opponent, as the Stags were able to create opportunities in the circle throughout the first half. Drexel goalkeeper Hallee Geiger made a couple of diving saves that kept the ball out of the cage to keep the game scoreless.
While Fairfield gained traction offensively, the team's defense was equally successful on the other side of the pitch. The Stags yielded just two shots in the first quarter and over the next 15 minutes. Unfortunately, that one Drexel shot found its way past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. Val von Hellemont tipped in a pass from the top of the circle to put the Dragons on the scoreboard.
The one goal lead carried into the third quarter when Drexel began to find more chances offensively, taking three shots through the 15-minute period. Fairfield was able to muster one shot in the third quarter and one more in the fourth quarter. But like Drexel did in the second quarter, Fairfield was able to capitalize on that attempt in the final period.
Kaeylyn Fogelson released a shot from center circle after she received a pass from
Courtland Schumacher, tying the game midway through the fourth quarter. The two teams stayed level for about 75 seconds though because Drexel was able to gain the eventual winning goal in the 53
rd minute. Von Hellemont garnered the unassisted goal in the 53
rd minute, her second of the game.
Drexel finished the game with an 11-6 edge in shot with each goalkeeper making two saves in the game. And to further illustrated how these two teams were even, both programs finished with four penalty corners.
The Fairfield University field hockey will return to non-conference action on Sunday when the Stags host the University of Vermont for a 12 pm match up at University Field. Fairfield's next CAA date comes on Friday, September 25 when the team heads to Towson University for a 3 pm match.
