On Saturday March 24, the Fairfield University Women’s Lacrosse Team was looking to avenge back-to-back losses against Siena College at Rafferty Stadium. The Siena Saints were on a four-game winning streak and came into this contest with momentum. As documented, Fairfield has multiple contributors, while Siena has only one main threat on offense, sophomore Alexis Deaken from Orangeville, Ontario. Deaken is the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference leading scorer with just under four goals scored per game. Fairfield had their hands full when the leading scorer came to Rafferty Stadium, but the Stags were up to the task.

On a sunny afternoon, Fairfield and Siena were quickly exchanging goals to open up the contest. Within the first eight minutes, seven goals were scored as Fairfield led the game 4-3. However, the momentum of the game changed when Fairfield asserted themselves by scoring five straight goals. Those five goals were scored by five different Stags: Kelly Horning ‘21, Taylor Mitchell ‘19, Olivia Russell ‘18, Jillian Winwood ‘21 and Brooke Gallagher ‘18. This surge at the end of the half put the Stags in front with a score of 9-5 and it would last until the final buzzer.

The beginning of the second half showcased further dominance by the Stags, scoring three more goals as it began. Siena made a push of their own, scoring three goals to answer Fairfield. Kerry Gerety ‘21, Kiera Young ‘19 and Annie Brennan ‘20 all contributed for the Saints to get their team back within striking distance. After Brennan’s goal, it was a 12-8 affair but the Stags offense was too potent for Siena.

With just over 18 minutes remaining in the game, Fairfield switched their pace into another gear and, as a result, scored six straight goals to end their afternoon. The Saints did not have an answer to the multitude of scorers Fairfield possesses, where three different Stags recorded hat tricks: Kathleen Hulseman ‘19, Winwood and Russell.

Fairfield goalkeeper Paulina DiFatta ‘20 had seven saves while putting up yet another solid outing for her team. For Siena, Sammy Horton ‘19 had a rough day, allowing 18 goals while making nine saves. DiFatta has played as a nice compliment to go along with the high scoring offense Fairfield possesses, which makes Fairfield hard to defend as well as hard to score on.

The Stags are now 5-4 on the year, winning their first game in MAAC play. They now take on Niagara University on Thursday, March 29 at Rafferty Stadium as they look to move to 6-4 on the year and 2-0 in conference play.

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