Coming off a 6-2 victory against Colgate University in the home opener, the Stags looked to defend their home field as they were set to host the Delaware Blue Hens on Friday, Sept. 4. This is only the second time that the Stags have faced off against Delaware, as they lost last season 2-1. But after a strong first half, Delaware exploded to score three goals in the second half to give the Blue Hens the win.
The contest started with a bang as Ann Burgoyne ‘17 scored the first goal two minutes into the game and the Stags quickly led 1-0. Delaware answered with a goal of their own as they scored less than two minutes after Fairfield. Meghan Winesett of Delaware received a pass from freshman midfielder Kiki Bink to score the goal to tie the game at one.
The intensity increased dramatically as both teams battled to score, going for long stretches that consisted of great and tough defense.
“This team is very intense and they really want to do well. They have set some pretty high goals for themselves and I know they’re all extremely disappointed that today did not go the way they had planned,” said Head Coach Jackie Kane.
The Stags finished the half strong as they had a total of four saves in the first half to go into halftime with a tied score.
Both teams started the second half strong as they battled on the field to limit one another. Soon enough, Delaware’s senior forward captain Jacki Coveleski was able to break through the Stags tough defense to score and take the lead with 27:24 remaining in the game. The Delaware offense did not stop there as they scored once again less than three minutes later. Delaware now led 3-1 with less than 25 minutes left in regulation.
After allowing two consecutive goals, Kane told her team “to pull it together, stick to the gameplan, to keep working hard and working for each other.”
The Stags continued to fight looking to score, but with less than five minutes remaining in the game, the Blue Hens were able to connect again as Emmeline Oltmans registered her first career goal to give Delaware a 4-1 lead.
After the game, Kane said, “We need to take care of the ball, we’re very good at it. I guess today didn’t go our way. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a learning experience. It’s only our second game of the season so we’re just going to keep improving, learning from our mistakes, looking forward to another opportunity to play a top 20 team.”
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