FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Brittany Bates scored her first goal of the season, but it was not enough to overcome Monmouth University, as the Hawks posted a 2-1 decision over the Stags at University Field this afternoon.

The two teams battled through a defensive struggle for the first part of the opening half. Monmouth eventually broke the scoreless tie when Megan Kubek sent a cross from the right side into the circle, which Kelly Crist collected and pushed past Fairfield goaltender Liz Thomas for a 1-0 lead.

The Stags tied the game 15 minutes later with less than three minutes remaining in the first half. Emily Janis secured a loose ball eight yards away from goal, and sent a pass to the left corner fo the goal. Bates worked her way clear and deflected the pass into the goal past Hawks goalkeeper Megan Smith.

Both teams had limited opportunities in the second half as the defense clamped down. And when chances were created, both goalkeepers made saves to keep the game tied. Monmouth secured the lead for good when Crist tallied her second goal of the game with 4:06 left in regulation, converting a pass from Enza Mazza.

Thomas finished the game with two saves, while Megan Smith registeredone save for the visitors.