The Fairfield University Club Field Hockey team started its season on a winning note Sunday morning by defeating Northeastern University 3-2 in a tightly contested match at University Field Sunday afternoon. 

The Stags leaned on a strong defensive unit early, with players like Sam Murray (#11), Caroline O'Dea (#21), Steph Reap (#16), and Payton McDonough (#25) shutting down Northeastern's attack and fending off numerous penalty corners to keep the opening quarter scoreless.

Fairfield broke through in the second quarter when Jordan Mooney (#2) buried a goal off a penalty corner, assisted by junior Megan Latch (#9). Goaltender Nicole Genoble preserved the lead before halftime with a crucial stop on a Northeastern penalty corner, sending the Stags into the break ahead 1-0.

Northeastern equalized the score in the third quarter on a well-executed penalty corner play, but Fairfield's defense and Genoble's sharp goal tending prevented further damage.

The fourth quarter started with a huge safe by Genoble which swung the momentum in Fairfield's direction, which set the stage for Latch to take over offensively. The junior struck twice with her first converting on a penalty corner, then firing home a clean shot to extend Fairfield's lead to 3-1. Northeastern managed a late goal in the final minutes, but the Stags held firm to secure the 3-2 victory.

Postgame, Maggie O'Donnell (#5) emphasized the importance of improving transition play: "Midfield transition, getting the ball from defense to offense smoothly," she said. O'Donnell also praised standout performances from Latch, who tallied two goals in the win, and Genoble, who secured the win with critical saves throughout the game

With the season-opening victory, Fairfield will look to build momentum and sharpen its midfield connections heading into its next matchup next Sunday at home against Quinnipiac.