FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Villanova Field Hockey team and head coach Joanie Milhous put up great effort in their first game of the season against Fairfield University on Sunday in Fairfield, Conn. Milhous utilized 17 of her 27 players throughout the contest, but, despite the depth of the Wildcats they fell short to the Stags, 3-1.

In the first half Fairfield quickly grabbed a 2-0 lead. The first goal of the game came only eight minutes into play when Danielle Profita received a pass from Emma Matlach. Only a few short minutes later, with 24 minutes left in the first half, Sam Giordano scored the second goal of the game. Giordano's goal came off a rebound from teammate Matlach's shot that hit the post.

After Milhous called a quick timeout to regroup, Villanova began to carry the momentum in their favor.

A small break away down the left center and a through pass from Lexi DiGennaro allowed for a Wildcat goal by Lydia Sydnor.

All three goals of the first half came within the beginning 18 minutes of play and the rest of the first half remained scoreless. The Wildcats and Stags traded possession and dominance back and forth.

To begin the second half Villanova came out tenacious and dominated on the offensive side of the field. But with 19 minutes remaining in the game Fairfield was able to catch a small break down the left side of the field and gain some cushion.

Fairfield's Meghann Maguire received a pass from Kaley McMullen to give the Stags a 3-1 lead. This goal caused a shift in momentum that continued to last and Villanova's opponent began to dominate the field for the next 10 minutes of play.

For the remainder of the contest possession went back and forth between the Stags and the Wildcats. Throughout that time two penalties were given to host Fairfield; first a green card to Ava Leonhardt and then a yellow card to Corrine Persichetti.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats they were unable to convert on the possessions where they had an advantage.

On the day, Fairfield led Villanova in shots 12-5, corners 6-3 and goals 3-1. Wildcats senior goalkeeper Erika Miller tallied five saves to sophomore keeper Zoe Rosen's one for Fairfield.

The Wildcats look to turn things around when they return to action Friday, Aug. 31 for their home opener against Indiana at 6 p.m. This is the second year Villanova Field Hockey will play at their home field located at the Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa.