FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team dropped their second game in a row on Saturday to a tough UConn team, 18-8, in Storrs, Connecticut. The Huskies were receiving votes in both national polls and proved to be too much handle, outscoring the Stags 10-4 in the final 30 minutes.
The Stags were able to hang around in the opening half and even held a one goal lead 10 minutes into the contest. Connecticut was first on the board with a goal in the fourth minute, but Fairfield answered with two goals to take the lead. The first goal came by way of Alex Fehmel from Colleen Reynolds at 22:13 and the second was a goal by Julieanne Mascera at 20:36.
But for the final 20 minutes of the half the home team took control of the game going on a 7-2 scoring run to grab an 8-4 halftime lead. In between those seven goals for the Huskies was a goal by Maeve Quinn at 9:13 and Reynolds at 3:03.
The second half saw much the same as Connecticut controlled the pace and play of the game. For Fairfield, it was Mascera who quickly scored twice in the opening four minutes with back to back goals both assisted by Fehmel.
However, the next eight scores came from the Huskies as they stole momentum back to push their lead to nine. Brenna Connolly ended the 13 minute scoring drought with an unassisted tally at the 13:40 mark to make the score 15-7.
Connecticut then pushed their lead to double digits, scoring two goals in a span of 27 seconds. While Mascera would cut into the deficit with her fourth score of the day at 3:34, it was too late for a Fairfield rally as the hosts notched their 18th with two minutes to go to grab the 18-8 victory.
The Stags and Huskies both fired off 28 shots during the game and went 1-7 with free position shots. Fairfield won the draw control battle 16-12, but turned the ball over 20 times.
Chelsey Sidaras started in goal for Fairfield making six saves on the day while her counterpart, Shannon Nee, made 12 saves.
On offense, the Stags were led by Mascera's four goals, followed by Fehmel's two assists and one goal. Reynolds added an assist and a score, while Quinn and Conolly each added a goal.
That completes the non-conference portion of the schedule and Fairfield will open up league play with the 2015 regular season champions, Canisius, on Friday, March 25.
