Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team ended its six-game home stand with a 5-1 loss to 12th-ranked Drexel University at University Field. The Stags went 3-3 during the six-game run.

Things started well for the Stags as Molly Byrnes put the home team in front just seven minutes into the game. The scoring chance began with an initial shot from Anne Niewenhuis, which goalkeeper Jenna Phillips kicked away. The ball eventually landed on the stick of Byrnes, who one-timed a shot past the freshman goalkeeper to give the Stags a 1-0 lead.

The lead remained intact for five minutes until the visiting team tied the score off Jen Cairone's goal, which was set up Susan Ciufo. Cairone and Ciufo teamed up once again with 11 minutes remaining in the first half to put Drexel in front for good at 2-1.

With a 2-1 halftime lead in hand, Drexel came out with a quick push to the start the second half. The aggresive play payed offas Ciufo drove home the team's third goal in the first minute of action. Ciufo made it four for four when she played a role in the team's fourth goal, sending a pass to Kim Tunell who finished the play with her first goal of the game. Ciufo tied a school record for assists in a game on the scoring opportunity.

Drexel finished off the scoring with eight minutes left on the clock as Tunell completed a penalty corner with her second goal of the game. The play was started by Christina Mastropaolo while Sofie Sagunietti was the stopper.

Goalkeeper Caitlin O'Donnell made 14 saves for the Stags, while Phillips posetd three stops for the Dragons.

Fairfield returns to action on September 23 when it travels to Columbia University for a 7 pm game.