The Stags men’s lacrosse team will continue their road trip on April 25, heading to West Long Branch, New Jersey to meet the Monmouth Hawks men’s lacrosse team for an 11:00 a.m. Coastal Athletic Association matchup.
Late April is when the postseason picture starts to become clearer as the conference schedule heats up, determining the standings and how teams will finish overall. Fairfield comes into this game after a 12-5 loss against Towson, another example of its struggles against top teams. But the Stags have also had moments of stellar offensive play and solid defensive play throughout the season, and prior results suggest that they can control tempo well when executing half-court offensive sets and in transition.
Monmouth has proven throughout the 2025 season to be a competitive opponent in the CAA, particularly at home in Kessler Stadium. The Hawks are not to be underestimated on the road, either, as a highlight of their schedule is a 13-12 victory over Hofstra in Hempstead. A game at home could be a difference maker, especially since conference games with home-field advantages are impactful.
Recent history between the two schools is in favor of Fairfield, as the Stags have won the last three meetings, including a 14-8 victory in the 2025 regular season finale. Fairfield’s offense was efficient, balanced and multifaceted in that game. Averaging more than 13 goals scored per game against Monmouth across those three meetings, the Stags have had success exploiting the Hawks’ defense.
Defensively, the Hawks will look to limit the ball movement of the Stags and force them into lower quality shots, particularly in transition. Monmouth could try to slow the pace and make each possession last longer to disrupt Fairfield’s offensive rhythm.
Fairfield will need to get its offense back in sync and tighten its defense after the Towson loss. The Stags will need to control the ball, win faceoffs and clear effectively. Conference games can be tight, so the Stags must take advantage of extra possessions through offensive rebounds or limiting turnovers.
Midfield play may also be important in this game, as both teams look to use their midfields to create offensive chances and generate ball control. Winning the ground ball battle and controlling possession could be a key to the contest, as could special teams play.
Another important storyline is momentum, as the final stretch of the regular season is coming to a close. In addition to looking to finish the head-to-head series history, this matchup could be used to help strengthen Fairfield’s position in the CAA standings. Monmouth will be hoping to get a statement win against a team that has beaten them in recent memory.
All of this leads to a road test, and a Monmouth team trying to stand up for its home turf.
If Fairfield can repeat what has worked in the past, most recently in the past two games in the series, particularly on offense, the Stags could come away with another road victory. If Monmouth is able to be patient and win its share of possessions at the right times, the Hawks can reverse their fortunes.
Considering the implications for the postseason and with the two programs already building a rivalry for other reasons, the April 25 matchup is likely to be a key game.
