Despite leading the majority of the game, Fairfield women’s lacrosse fell 10-6 to Connecticut rivals UConn in this non-conference matchup at Rafferty Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
The loss to the Huskies puts the Stags’ record at 1-1, following their win against the University of Rhode Island last weekend.
Even though five different Fairfield players found the back of the net, UConn’s redshirt senior Rayea Davis proved a force to be reckoned with, scoring four goals and leading the UConn offense to a hard-earned victory.
Fairfield goalkeeper graduate Whitney Robinson recorded ten saves throughout the game, and was a fundamental part of maintaining Fairfield’s lead throughout the first half, which ended 5-3.
In a game defined by physicality and speed, both teams scored largely from close-range shots, built from periods of extended possession. The Huskies outshot the Stags 18-13.
Fairfield fifth-year graduate Kyleigh Tufano scored a brace to give the Stags a 6-4 lead before the start of the fourth period, but this was overshadowed by UConn completing its comeback win by scoring six unanswered goals throughout the third and fourth periods.
Winning and maintaining possession on draw controls proved vital for the Huskies, as they secured thirteen draw controls, compared to Fairfield’s four.
Senior Mary Henry, who added the third goal to Fairfield’s tally reflected on the game:
“Collectively, I think the defense had a great game, our goalie had a great game. We can just get better as a whole, and not just individually, and not having just one part of the field having a good game – having that collective flow across the whole team. We were head to head most of the game, so we have a lot to be proud of, but also a lot to work on.”
Junior Kit Zanelli built off Henry’s words, explaining how this defeat, while disappointing, can be used as a positive learning experience heading into the rest of the season.
“I think that’s why you play sports – to play good competition. It’s a great thing we got to play a good team so we have the rest of the season to learn and grow and we’re excited if we get to see a team like them or better than them – now we’ll be more prepared.”
Fairfield continues its run of home games this Saturday against Boston University at 4 p.m. as the second game of the Fairfield lacrosse doubleheader, with the men’s lacrosse team in action at 1 p.m. against Brown University.