NEW HAVEN, Conn. (October 18, 2024) – The Sacred Heart University field hockey team faced off against Fairfield (8-5, 5-1 NEC) in an interstate rivalry Friday evening at Johnson Field, suffering a 1-0 loss. 

In its second game of a three-game homestand, SHU (5-9, 2-3 NEC) aimed to continue its winning streak and seize the fourth playoff seed with just two games left in the Northeast Conference (NEC) regular season. However, it was the Stags who struck first, finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match, and they effectively shut down the SHU attack for the remainder of the game, securing a 1-0 victory.  

This win marks the Stags' sixth consecutive, while SHU has now split their last six contests. 

The Stags wasted no time getting on the board in the second minute, converting the evening's first corner. Beatrice Lovenich inserted the ball directly to Pilar Mengotti on the left side. Although Mengotti's shot was denied by SHU goaltender Samantha Maresca (Mamaroneck, N.Y.), Rylee Laloup capitalized on the rebound, giving the Stags an early lead. This would prove to be the only score of the night, as the next 58 minutes saw a lack of offensive fireworks from both teams. 

The remainder of the first half showcased a defensive battle between the Nutmeg State rivals. The two squads combined for just 10 shot attempts, four shots on goal, and three corners, with neither offense able to break through as the Stags held their 1-0 lead at halftime. 

With SHU struggling to find their rhythm offensively, the standout performer of the evening was clearly Maresca. She stopped seven shots out of 16 attempts, keeping her team within striking distance. 

In the second half, SHU had several opportunities to equalize, controlling possession to generate numerous chances. However, the Stags' defense was resolute, limiting SHU to just three shots on goal. 

In the final 30 minutes of play, the Stags faced three shots on goal out of 12 attempts, including five corners. Emily Streib, the Fairfield goaltender, made a crucial sprawling save to deny Emma Brayford (Breiningsville, Pa.) with less than four minutes remaining, thwarting SHU's hopes for a second consecutive victory. This performance marked Streib's third straight shutout, improving her record to 7-3. 

SHU will conclude its three-game NEC home slate with a matchup against Rider on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Johnson Field. Prior to the game, the Pioneers will celebrate Senior Day.