RICHMOND, Va. -- Four second-half goals spoiled the Fairfield field hockey team's season opener, as host Virginia Commonwealth posted a 4-1 victory. The Rams outshot the Stags by a 12-2 count in the second half, leading to the four-goal effort.

The Stags started the season quickly with a goal just six minutes into the game. Molly Brynes started the scoring chance with a pass from the side into the center of the circle. Emily Janis secured the pass and chipped a shot from four-yards out, pushing the Stags in front, 1-0, 6:08 into the game.

The one-goal advantage lasted through the first half, as goaltender Elizabeth Thomas made two saves in the opening 35 minutes. VCU tied the score just six minutes into the second half when Jenna Harris pushed a rebound past Thomas, a play which was started on a penalty corner.

Nikki Hollibaugh put the Rams in front for good 11 minutes later when she-scored off a penalty corner, giving the home team a 2-1 lead. Harris made the score 3-1 with her second goal, an unassisted shot in the 59th minute of the game. Vicky Smith ended the scoring with a goal one minute later, making the score 4-1.

Thomas finished the game with five saves, as she faced 17 shots in the game. Fairfield managed five shots in the game, three of which came in the first half.

Fairfield returns to action on Sunday, August 26 when it ends its two-game road trip with a game against William & Mary at 11 am.