ORONO, Maine -- Two early goals proved to the difference on Saturday afternoon, as the goals spurred the University of Maine to a 3-1 win over the Fairfield University field hockey team. The game ended Fairfield's hopes of earning a berth to the four-team America East tournament next weekend.

The Black Bears went ahead just four minutes into the game, courtesy of Nicole Emery's goal. She collected a pass from Maire Dineen, who start the play with a cross to the middle of the circle, enabling Emery to beat goalkeeper Jennifer Utz to the far post.

Maine doubled its advantage just seven minutes later when Stephanie Gardiner pushed a shot past Utz just inside the far post for a 2-0 lead. The Stags, who outshot Maine by a 6-4 count in the second half, finally broke through in the 55th minute when Alexandria Hein sent a pass from the left circle to the right side, which landed on the stick of Molly Byrnes. The senior turned that pass into a goal which cut the deficit in half at 2-1.

Jocelyn Mitchell ended Fairfield's hopes of a win when she accepted a pass from Dineen and sent the ball past the sliding goalkeeper to make the score 3-1.

Utz finished the game with three saves for Fairfield, while Brittany Fleck recorded four saves for Maine. Fairfield finished the season with a 4-14 overall record and a 1-4 America East mark.