FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team dropped its second game in a row on Wednesday afternoon in a 14-11 loss to Columbia University on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium.

The Stags bounced back offensively after scoring just eight goals in their previous game, but it was not enough to claim the win.

A game that saw the score tied seven times started off as a back and forth affair. Columbia got on the board first just 90 seconds into the contest with a goal from Lindsey Ewertsen. Fairfield responded two minutes later to notch the score at one with an unassisted goal from Colleen Reynolds.

At the 22:18 mark, the Lions took back to the lead with a goal by Joy Caroline, but that wouldn't last long as Riley Hellstein tied the score at two just about one minute later. Columbia scored two unanswered goals to grab the 4-2 lead with 17:20 left in the half.  But that run was stopped by a four goal streak for the Stags.

A run that started with Reynolds' second of the day, followed by Kelly Camardo's first of the season which was assisted by Julieanne Mascera. Alex Fehmel grabbed the lead for Fairfield with a free position goal and Riley Hellstein extended the lead with a free position goal of her own.

Columbia would not let the Stags grow their lead as they scored thrice more before the half, to Fairfield's one, evening the score at seven going into the break.

Just as the first half started, the Lions pounced early with a goal just 79 seconds into the frame, regaining the lead. Hellstein and Maeve Quinn regained the lead for the home side with scores of their own, but it was Columbia who got the next three goals to gain a lead that they would never relinquish. Mascera scored the final two Stag goals at 7:45 and 1:58, both assisted by Quinn.

Chelsey Sidaras got her third start in net making seven saves against 23 Columbia shots.

The Stags outdid the Lions 16-11 on draw controls, with Hellstein grabbing seven. Fairfield was also 5-10 on free position shots and allowed just two for the visitors.

On offense, the Stags were led by four point days from both Mascera (3 goals, 1 assist) and Quinn (1g, 3a). Hellstein added three goals and Reynolds chipped in two, while Camardo and Fehmel each added one score.  

Looking ahead, the Stags matchup once before week's end, on Saturday they will play their first road game of the season at Hofstra at noon.