The Fairfield University field hockey team had a successful weekend, securing two key wins in Northeast Conference play. The Stags played against Wagner College and Mercyhurst University. The Stags now have a 5-5 record, and with a solid string of performances, the team’s future looks promising.
They first secured a 3-1 victory over Wagner College on Friday, October 4. Before this Wagner was undefeated, making this an accomplished win for the Stags.
Pilar Mengotti ‘26 opened the game strong by scoring in the first quarter on a corner play. At seven minutes, Mengotti was assisted by fellow junior Alice Pifferi. The corner came after a penalty, where Pifferi started the play next to the cage, passing to Mengotti who was set up for a clean shot into the corner of the goal.
Fairfield kept up their lead into the second quarter and extended it when Alex Senior ‘26 scored from the left side of the circle, assisted by Catalina Ness ‘27 making the score 2-0 at the half. Ness brought the ball into the circle leading to the second goal from Senior at the 18-minute mark of the game.
In the third quarter, Wagner came back more offensive but was unable to make any attempted shots on goal. Fairfield only had one shot on goal this quarter, which they also did not convert.
The next goal did not come until the fourth quarter of the game, again by Senior, this time assisted by Rylee LaLoup ‘26. LaLoup passed from the circle where Senior had been open to shoot in the 52nd minute of the game.
Wagner then retaliated and increased offensive pressure with their first and only goal at the 57-minute mark. They did this by taking advantage of a penalty against the Stags that resulted in a corner.
Graduate goalie Emily Streib saved three goals from Wagner as they had four shots on goal and 12 shots total. Fairfield also had 12 shots total but was more accurate, with six on goal.
Riding the momentum from Friday’s win, Fairfield faced off against Mercyhurst on Sunday, October 6th. The Stags dominated this game defensively and offensively, leading to a final score of 9-1.
The first quarter began strongly with a goal in the eighth minute of the game from Erin McGinely ‘25 of Fairfield. McGinley’s goal was assisted by Pifferi and Mengotti off of a penalty corner.
The Stags aggressive start continued, scoring two more goals just minutes later. Senior scored off a rebound at the end of the 12th minute. Then, a minute later McGinely had her second goal of the game. McGinley was assisted during a penalty corner by Pifferi, who started the corner, and Agustina Casteluchi ‘25.
The second quarter did not add any goals to the scoreboard but the Stags kept pushing into the third quarter, which added another three goals.
First-year Camille Perlov had the first goal in the third quarter and was assisted by McGinely with a deflection into the cage. Only a minute later at the 36th-minute mark, Madison Milhous ‘25 added another goal for Fairfield. LaLopup, getting a pass from Samatha Saxon, scored a goal in the 39th minute of the game.
Mercyhurst scored their first and only goal in the 42nd minute.
The fourth quarter opened with a goal from Hofmann, assisted by Ness in a deflection. Shortly after, Catherine Fitzgerald and McGiney each had a goal to finish off the game.
Fairfield had a total of 34 shots, with 23 on goal against Mercyhurst. The team also had 12 corners whereas Mercyhurst had none, due to Fairfield’s lack of fouls within the circle.
The team now has a winning streak of three games and a conference record of 2-1. With these two wins, Fairfield hopes to continue their strong form as they prepare for the weekend ahead. This weekend they travel to Long Island University before returning home for a game against Merrimack on October 13th at 1 P.M. Be sure to support the Fairfield field hockey team by catching the games online or cheering them on in person!
