Oct. 20, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University field hockey did what it had to do, the same thing it had to do in each of its last three games - win the game. With everything else out of their control, the Stags just concentrate on winning each game. And for the third straight contest, Head Coach Jackie Kane watched her team put forth a solid effort, this time resulting in a 3-0 win over St. Francis Pa. to keep the Stags' Northeast Conference tournament hopes alive.
Both teams spent most of the first half in the middle third of the field, as both defenses made sure that there was very little advancement into either offensive zone. Late in the first half, the Stags offense began to settle in and set up shop inside the Red Flash circle. Fairfield managed eight shots in the latter part of the half, but goaltender Erin Reifsteck made seven saves including a few that were point-blank.
The Stags did not relent in the second half and continued to set up play after play, but could not find that one opening that was necessary to break the scoreless tie. Seven minutes into the second half, the home team was awarded a penalty corner which Wendy Carbone sent into play toward the left side of the circle. Caitlin Quinn controlled the pass and quickly sent the ball back toward the left side of the goal toward Carbone. The defender deflected the pass back onto goal and watched as it beat Reifsteck to the short side for a 1-0 lead.
Fairfield's offensive pressure did not end at that point. Rather, the Stags stepped up and continued to send shot after shot toward the St. Francis goal. With 19 minutes remaining in the second half, Chelsea Hicks used incredible stick handling and body control to score the second Fairfield goal. She stick handled past two defenders before she slipped on the wet turf. As she was falling, she unleashed a backhanded shot that snuck past a surprised St. Francis defense and landed in the back of the cage.
Molly Byrnes ended the scoring with an outstanding individual effort inside the circle, which started with a wrist shot that was kicked back out by Reifsteck. Brynes followed her initial attempts and sent the rebound right back on goal, catching the lower left corner which extended the Stags lead to 3-0.
Goaltenders Elizabeth Thomas and Lauren Callahan combined for the shutout, as Thomas made two saves in 59 minutes of action while Callahan tallied one stop in 11 minutes of work.
The Stags close out the home portion of their 2006 schedule on Sunday when they host NEC leader Lock Haven at noon. Prior to the game, the University community will honor seniors Caitlin Quinn and Courtney O'Connor, who will play their final home game at University Field.
