The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team ended its season opening road swing with a 5-3 loss at Rutgers University Saturday afternoon.  The Stags fall to 1-2 on the year, while the Scarlet Knights improve to 2-1.

The scoring came in bunches for both teams, with Rutgers getting on the board first with a Katrina Martinelli 8-meter goal 5:01 into the game.  Addie Reilly answered for the Stags 2:35 later when she put home a pass from Jamie Leone to tie the score 1-1.  Rutgers went back in front 81 seconds later with a Megan Clements goal.  That would be the last goal for nearly 21 minutes until Martinelli put home her second free position shot of the day with five ticks left before intermission.

Rutgers scored quickly in the second-half as Halley Barnes converted a free position shot 97 ticks into the half for a 4-1 edge. Barnes scored the next goal, to put the Scarlet Knights ahead 5-1, 21:30 later, with 6:53 to play in regulation.  Fairfield scored the final two goals of the game, as Melanie Raso scored with 5:37 to play and Courtney Chmil with 95 ticks left.

Katie Keenan made seven saves in net for the Stags, and picked up a ground ball, to take the loss.  Lily Kalata made six stops in net for the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers was 4-5 on its free position shots on the afternoon, while the Stag went 1-4.  The Scarlet Knights had a 7-3 edge in draw controls and a 9-6 advantage in ground balls.

The Stags play their home opener on Wednesday when they host Holy Cross.