FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Eight different Fairfield University student-athletes recorded a hit including two from Kristen Filicia but the softball team managed just two runs as the Stags fell to Sacred Heart University by a 3-2 count. A run in the bottom of the fifth inning was the difference in the game.

The Pioneers opened the game with four hits which resulted in two runs in the bottom of the first inning. After a ground out by the lead off hitter, Jade Bowens stroked a single for the team's first hit. She came home when Kate Nadler drilled a double down the left field line for a 1-0 lead. Nadler scored the inning's second run off a single from Annie Dreher.

The Stags put together several scoring chances through the first four innings, registering a hit in three of the first four inning. But pitcher Liz Tsipouras managed to escape each of those situations to keep Sacred Heart in front at 2-0. Fairfield broke through in the top of the fifth inning when it strung four hits together to tie the game with a pair of runs.

Sammy Ruffolo started the rally with a one-out infield single and quickly advanced to scoring position by taking second base on a wild pitch. She went to third base after Lauren Liseth singled to put runners on the corners. After a second out was recordd, Liseth stole second base to place two Stags in scoring positions. Rae Ball came through with a two-out, two-run single that made the score 2-2.

Sacred Heart regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning as the home team scored its third run when Tsipouras singled in Bowens, her second run scored of the game. The Stags managed just one more hit in the game, an infield single by Macy Cutshaw, but could not place a runner beyond second base in the final two innings.

The Stags return to the field on Saturday, April 28 when they travel to Manhattan College for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) doubleheader.