Box Score (PDF)

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Despite over 30 minutes of scoreless action, the UMass Lowell field hockey team (3-2) faced a 2-0 setback at Fairfield (7-1) on Saturday afternoon.
 
"Our performance today wasn't what I hoped it would be," said Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "We were slow to the ball, slow to react, slow to make decisions, and I give credit to Fairfield for capitalizing on that today. We did have a couple opportunities that we didn't finish on, but when your offense is shut out for the first time all season long, it hurts a little more."
 
Junior Eva Berkhout (Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands) totaled a season-high nine saves in the contest. Sophomore Clara Defourt (Brussels, Belgium) led the offense with four shots, including two on goal.
 
The defense controlled the early part of the contest, and for only the second time this year, neither the River Hawks nor their opponents were able to open the scoring in the first 25 minutes action. Berkhout turned away three shots in that time, including a nice sliding save in just the third minute.
 
Sophomore Katie Lynes (Oakville, Ontario) fired a slap shot on target in the 30th minute, but it was kicked away by the Stags' keeper. The home squad was then able to break the scoreless stalemate just seconds later when an initial shot from Malen Iglesias ricocheted off the crossbar, allowing Emma Matlach to finish the rebound and give Fairfield the 1-0 edge at the break.
 
Coming out of halftime, Fairfield put the pressure on with the first five shots of the second, but the UMass Lowell backline fought to keep the difference at just one. However, Fairfield added an insurance goal on a one-timer by Jolanda Richter in the 65th minute to secure the 2-0 outcome.
 
UMass Lowell still owns an 8-5 advantage in the all-time series against Fairfield. The River Hawks remain in Connecticut until tomorrow when they take on Sacred Heart beginning at 2 p.m.