FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team opens the home portion of its 2009 schedule by hosting two non-conference games at University Field. The Stags will take on Ball State University on Friday at 3 pm, followed by Villanova on Sunday at 1 pm.

The Stags started the 2009 campaign by dropping a decision to fifth-ranked University of Connecticut on the road. Anne Nieuwenhuis tallied the team's lone goal against the Huskies, knocking home a rebound with one minute remaining in the first half.

Caitlin O'Donnell made her debut as the team's staring goalkeeper, making 15 saves while facing 37 shots. She made nine saves in the first half and followed with six stops in the second half.

Ball State has enjoyed a 2-0 start to their season, defeating Davidson by a 2-1 count and Appalachian State by a 4-1 margin. Senior Brooke MacGillivary has three of the team's six goals this season for a team-leading six points. Hannah Jones netted two goals to date, both coming against Appalachian State. Tiffany Shifflett picked up both wins as the goalkeeper, posting 10 saves and allowing two goals in the two contests.

Villanova came up short against Old Dominion in its season opener, after playing a a couple scrimmages against Penn State and Drexel. The Wildcats only goal in the Old Dominion game came off the stick of Dana Ramsden in the first half. Maura McCormick played the first 51 minutes in goal for Villanova and made six saves. Megan Goelz finished the game with one save.

The Wildcats will play Ball State on Saturday afternoon on the Fairfield campus. Game time is slated for 2 pm at University Field.