AMHERST, Mass. -- An unearned run was the difference in this game as the Fairfield University softball came up on the short side of a 1-0 decision against the University of Massachusetts in a non-conference game.

The Stags put together their best chance to score in the top of the first. The rally started when Kristen Filicia began the inning with an infield hit to the left side. She took second after Mikayla Shumate grounded out. After a strikeout, Kristina Lingo walked to put runners on first and second. Pitcher Sara Plourde picked up the final out with a strikeout to end the scoring opportunity.

UMass led its half of the inning off with a single by Kyllie Magill, who sent to second following a sacrifice bunt. Pitcher Sarah Minice retired the next two hitters on a strikeout and a line out. Plourde retired the next 10 hitters she faced, a streak which was broken up by an infield single by Tiffany Lawson in the top of the fifth inning.

The Minutemen posted the game's only run in the fourth inning, taking advantage of the Stags only error of the game. With one out, Meghan Carta reached on an error by the shortstop. Following a strikeout, Stephanie Mix, who was inserted as a pinch runner, stole second base to reach scoring position. Jordan Storro singled to left field and took second on the throw to third place. Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch, with Mix touching home plate on the play.

Minice took the loss despite not allowing an earned run, dropping her to 10-7 overall. The righthander fanned nine hitters and walked only one. Plourde earned her 17th win by striking out 12 Fairfield batters in the game.

The Stags will play next on Saturday when they head to Rider University for a conference doubleheader.