Freshman Nichole Schiro headed in the game-winning goal with just under a minute remaining in the first overtime to give the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds a 2-1 victory over MAAC rival Fairfield Saturday afternoon.  With the win, Loyola has clinched the MAAC regular season title and the number one seed in the MAAC Tournament.

Loyola improves to 11-4-2 overall and an unblemished 7-0-0 record in the MAAC.  The 11 wins are the most for the Greyhounds since the 2005 season when Loyola recorded 15 victories.  It is also the second straight season the Greyhounds won seven conference matches.

Schiro also added an assist earlier in the game, giving her three points for the second straight game.

Freshman Lauren Norcia setup Schiro for the game-winner on a cross from just outside of the box. Norcia has three assists in her first collegiate season.
                                                                                                                                                                 
Rain and frigid temperatures had a major affect on the game as the Greyhounds controlled the game on both sides of the ball.

Junior Lina Staropoli got the Greyhounds on the board at 24:43, striking a ball from 25-yards out to give Loyola a 1-0 lead.  After taking a pass from Schiro, Staropoli fired a shot at the goal that rolled off the hands of Fairfield goalkeeper Bridget Nerich.  The score was Staropoli’s first of the season.

Despite the misplay, Nerich had a solid game stopping 14 shots on the day.

Loyola held a 12-2 shot advantage after the first stanza, as Nerich kept the Stags in the game making nine saves.

Early in the second half, Rachel Madasaci headed in a shot after a corner kick by Adrienne Boyer at 49:46.

The score remained deadlocked at 1 for the remainder of regulation as the team combined for 13 shots in the second half.

The Greyhounds took four shots in the overtime period as the Stags were not able to attempt a shot in the extra frame.