FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team improved to 3-0 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play with a 13-6 win over visiting Iona this afternoon on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium. Alex Fehmel scored five goals in the victory, while Riley Hellstein scored four goals with an assist for the Stags.
In addition to remaining percentage in MAAC action, Fairfield (8-3) extended its overall winning streak to four consecutive games.
Fehmel's five goals mark a personal career high, while Hellstein matched a pair of career bests with her four goals and five total points. Hellstein has scored seven goals in the last two outings following a hat trick in Saturday's MAAC win at Siena.
Also finding the back of the net for the Stags were Jenna Fuchs, Jamie Leone, Maeve Quinn and Scarlett Sulliman. Leone handed out two assists, and Fuchs distributed one helper to round out the Fairfield scoring against the Gaels.
On the defensive end, Chelsey Sidaras made six saves over the first 54:58 of action to earn the win in goal. Caleigh O'Connor helmed the net for the final 5:02 but did not face a shot on goal. Lauren Casadonte led the back row with three caused turnovers.
Hellstein was a force in the midfield as well with a game-best four draw controls. Courtney Chmil picked up three draw controls, and Fehmel collected three ground balls.
After the Gaels started the scoring less than two minutes into the contest, Fairfield quickly began to build its lead. Hellstein and Fehmel each scored a pair during a five-goal run, which also featured a Leone marker, which staked the Stags to a 5-1 advantage. Fehmel would complete a hat trick prior to the intermission as Fairfield took a 6-2 advantage into the locker room.
Iona again struck first in the second half, but would draw no closer as Fuchs and Hellstein scored back-to-back goals to re-establish an 8-3 cushion. The Stags' offense continued to click, and Fairfield pulled away for a 13-6 triumph.
Fairfield outshot the Gaels, 28-18, and each team picked up 12 ground balls. The Stags committed 11 turnovers while pressuring Iona into 16 miscues.
MAAC play continues for the Stags on Saturday, April 4 with a noon contest at Niagara. Action returns to Rafferty Stadium next Saturday, April 11 for a visit from Canisius. The 11 a.m. game, which is the front end of a doubleheader, will also be Senior Day for the Stags.
