Fairfield women’s lacrosse continues conference play on the road Wednesday against crosstown rival Sacred Heart University at 3:00 p.m., looking to extend its unbeaten conference run.
The Stags’ record currently stands at 6-3, 1-0 in the MAAC after Saturday’s 11-7 win against Siena, bouncing back from a two-game loss streak after competitive and physical matchups against nationally ranked squads Denver and Army West Point.
Against Siena, junior Kelly Haggerty netted a hat-trick, scoring twice in the final quarter to give Fairfield the edge after the sides were tied 6-6 after three quarters. Sophomore Tessa Caputo banked two goals and two assists, bringing her season totals to 10 goals and 20 assists.
Head Coach Laura Field credited the Fairfield defensive unit and praised the Haggerty-Caputo duo who combined for the final goal of the game, noting they “really stepped up to lead our offense and get us across the finish line.”
The disciplined, all-around performance is a positive sign for Field’s point in a previous interview with the Mirror about wanting to find the identity of the team. Carrying forward this identity will prove crucial as the team looks to build consistency and momentum towards the remainder of the season, particularly with the higher stakes of conference play.
Historically, Fairfield has dominated the Pioneers, winning all 18 previous matchups between the teams. Last year’s 13-7 win at home was highlighted by graduate student Grace Slater’s four goals, along with Caputo’s four assists. Senior Mary Henry and Haggerty contributed with two goals themselves, reinforcing the depth through the Fairfield attack.
Fairfield first-year Sara MacLeod has provided the Stags with a new threat on the offensive end this season, totalling five goals and four assists, pairing well with the experienced upperclassmen within the team. With various minor injuries keeping players momentarily off the field, having first-years prepared to step up and perform has proved essential for Fairfield’s success thus far.
SHU is currently 2-6 overall and 1-0 in the MAAC, after beating Iona University 5-4 last Saturday.
The Pioneers faced a tough start to the season with five-straight losses, before an 8-7 victory over Gardner-Webb University finally broke the drought. Four different Pioneers got on the scoreboard in the final quarter, in which they outscored their opponents 4-1, to come from behind and secure the win.
Junior Jamie Tanner leads the Pioneer attack with 17 goals and two assists for the season. Senior Maggie Araneo ranks second on the team with 13 points (six goals, seven assists). Araneo’s two goals against Gardner-Webb University forefronted SHU’s attacking effort against the Bulldogs.
A year ago, SHU finished in sixth place at the end of the MAAC regular season, and were defeated by No. 7 Quinnipiac 16-7 in the first round of the MAAC Championship. Fairfield went on to win the championship as the second seed behind top-seeded Mount St. Mary’s, where they beat Iona 12-7.
The game today will be the first of this week’s double-header for the Stags, as they return home to take on Canisius in another conference game on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.