POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. --  Freshmen Kate Robinson and Destinee Pallotto combined to help the Fairfield University softball team split a doubleheader with Marist College in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play. The Stags won the second game by a 4-3 score after dropping a 7-1 decision in the opener.

The Stags took control of the nightcap quickly as Lauren Filicia and Sammy Ruffolo opened the game with singles. The two runners moved up a base after a sacrifice bunt, which turned out to be unnecessary as Robinson launched a three-run homer to spot Pallotto a 3-0 lead. The Red Foxes slowly climbed back into the game with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Janine Lalli stroked a two-run homer to account for the runs and making the score 3-2.

Marist used the long ball again in the sixth inning when Gabrielle Kelliher ripped a solo homer which tied the score at 3-3. Fairfield won the game in the top of the seventh starting a rally when Kristen Ball's grounder was misplayed into a two-base error. Filicia would drive her home with a base hit that pushed the Stags in front, 4-3.

Pallotto made the lead stick by retiring the side in order in the bottom of the seventh inning. The rookie went the distance by surrendering six hits while striking out five hitters against one walk. Her effort resulted in her sixth win of the season.

The Stags jumped out to an early lead in the opener as well, plating a run in the top of the second to secure a 1-0 edge. Robinson and Gianna Kinhofer led off the inning with singles with Robinson eventually scoring after an error.

The Red Foxes responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning, taking of advantage of an error and two hits to bring home all their runs. Marist would tack on another run in the fourth inning and three more runs in the fifth inning to secure the 7-1 win.