The field hockey team (7-9, 3-2 Patriot League) has been able to overcome six one-goal loses, including four overtime loses, to be in position to defend their Patriot League championship.
Head coach Jackie Leonard said she is, “very happy” with how the team is playing.
If Fairfield beats Lafayette (15-2) on Saturday, and Holy Cross loses its next game, Fairfield will make it into the tournament seated third. The Stags will likely play either American or Bucknell in the first round. Fairfield lost to both teams by one goal this year.
The team has been lead by its three seniors Kara Lynch, Dani Brown, and Liz Croney. “We lost eight seniors from last year and these three have been players we can really count on,” said Leonard. Brown leads the team with nine goals including four game winners. Lynch has been one of the toughest defensemen in the Patriot league and Carney has been a tremendous leader at center midfield.
The team has had many close games in the league with 10 of 16 games being decided by two goals or less.
The Stags have shown great improvement. In September, Fairfield was 3-6, but has bounced back to post a record of 4-3 in October. The competition has been much stronger in October as well. In games against Pacific, Lehigh and Columbia, the Stags showed their improvement by winning all three games.
If the team is able to get a birth in the Patriot League Tournament, Leonard is very optimistic about their chances. “This team has its own personality. We are really starting to come together and trusting one another,” Leonard said.
Fairfield has won three out of its last four games and four out of its last six. The team looks to carry their momentum into their next two contests and hopefully make a run in the Patriot League tournament.
Fairfield faces Lafayette in a must-win game on Saturday at 11 on Varsity Field.
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