UMBC

Fairfield, Conn.-Senior goalie Kat Tag recorded a career-high 14 saves, but the UMBC field hockey team fell to host Fairfield, 2-0, Friday afternoon in the Stags’ home opener. The Retrievers fall to 0-3 on the season while the Stags improve to 2-2.

After nearly an entire first half without scoring, Fairfield’s Courtney O’Connor scored after a penalty corner at 28:41. Emily Janis was credited with the assist after securing the loose ball and sending it to O’Connor.

The Stags took a 1-0 lead into halftime, and Tag fended off a barrage of Fairfield shots in the second period to keep her team in the game. But after turning away one Fairfield attempt, Tag was unable to stop Kristen McManus, who angled her way to the rebound and one-timed a shot into the open left side of the goal for a 2-0 advantage and the eventual victory.

Fairfield out-shot UMBC, 22-5, with 14 shots coming in the second half. The Retrievers’ shot total is their highest of the short season. The Stags also held a 6-4 advantage on penalty corners.

Tag recorded 14 saves for UMBC, while Fairfield goalie Elizabeth Thomas posted three.

The Retrievers return to action Sunday, Sept. 10, as they take on former Northeast Conference foe Sacred Heart at 1 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn.