Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Melaine Leo controlled a loose ball in front of the net and lifted the ball into the upper corner for the game-winning goal with two minutes remaining, lifting the Fairfield field hockey team to a 2-1 win over Sacred Heart.

The Stags dominated the first half by outshooting the Pioneers by an 8-1 count. Fairfield scored the game's first goal courtesy of Marit Westenberg. The sophomore secured a deflected ball and pushed a shot under Sacred Heart goalkeeper Kim Stow. The Stags continued to apply pressure but Stow was equal to the task each time.

Sacred Heart tied the game with under 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Stephanie Fazio sent the ball into the circle where Lindsay Kasten secured it. She deked past one defender and sent a shot past the oncoming goalkeeper Caitlin O'Donnell.

Both teams kept the opposition outside the circle for most of the second half, with play staying in the midfield area. Fairfield began to apply pressure late in the second half, but hit a few shots just wide of the cage. The game was decided when Fairfield was awarded a penalty corner which Sacred Heart stopped. However, Leo, who started the penalty corner, gained control of the ball and lifted over the sprawled goalkeeper for a the winning margin.

Fairfield outshot Sacred Heart by a 14-3 count in the game with Stow making six saves and O'Donnell registering one stop.

The Stags return to the field on Saturday, September 12 at 2 pm, hosting Hofstra University at University Field.