HANOVER, N.H. - Sarah Cusick's third goal in two games and Steph Anderson's 13 saves gave the Field Hockey Bears a halftime lead, but not a win, as a late Fairfield goal dropped the Bears 2-1, in the Big Green Classic at Dartmouth.

The Bears offense could get nothing going against a staunch Stag defense, managing only three shots, all coming in the first half. They also earned just one corner compared to Fairfield's seven. But even without the offensive fireworks that were prevalent in the team's season-opening, 7-1 win against Lindenwood, it looked as though the Bears may steal a victory.

In the game's ninth minute, Cusick (Jr., San Diego, Calif.) took a cross from Casey Bayliss (Jr., Bathurst, NSW, Australia) and fired a shot from a difficult angle. Her attempt scooted just behind the Stag keeper to rattle the cage in the corner and give the Bears a 1-0 lead.

Anderson (So., Pittsburgh, Pa.) and the Bears' defense kept it that way through halftime and into the 54th minute, but the shutout would end there. Fairfield's Anne Nieuwenhuis deflected a pass in the circle and through Anderson to force a 1-1 tie.

Ten minutes later, the Stags earned one of their seven corners and would capitalize. The Bears withstood the Stags' first wave of attack, but could not clear the ball from their end. Fairfield's Amanda Sullivan would clean up the mess in front with her first goal of the season.

The late score proved to be the game-winner, dropping the Bears to 1-1 on the season. The Stags improved to 1-3.

The Bears will face host Dartmouth tomorrow, Sunday, at 1 p.m., in the third and final game of the Big Green Classic. Live stats and streaming video will be available through MissouriStateBears.com