FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Six points from Kathleen Hulseman led 10 different Stags to record at least point as Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse opened the 2018 season with a 14-5 win over visiting Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium.
 
Hulseman's six points are a new career high for the junior, who also set new personal standards with three goals and assists to account for her half dozen on the day.
 
Lily Crager and Brenna Connolly each added three points for the Stags as Crager netted two goals with an assist while Connolly handed out two assists with one tally of her own. Brooke Gallagher and Olivia Russell each scored a pair of goals, while Taylor Mitchell posted a goal and an assist.
 
Rounding out the attack, Kelly Horning, Diana DeVita and Mary Smyth each scored a goal, and Bridget Weill picked up her first career assist. Horning and DeVita both scored for the first time in their respective careers, as each made her collegiate debut in the game.
 
In the transition game, Hulseman, Horning and rookie Jillian Winwood each collected a team-leading four ground balls. 2017 First Team All-MAAC standout Erin Mammele did her part to keep the attack on the field with five draw controls. The junior set a new program record with 86 draw controls last spring and now stands at 99 for her career. In the back row, Megan Beach scooped up three ground balls with two caused turnovers.
 
Paulina DiFatta made her first career appearance in the cage and turned away eight shots. She stopped five Holy Cross free-position shots in the first half as the Stags built the 6-1 lead over the opening 30 minutes that would carry them to victory.
 
The Crusaders were led by a hat trick from Amanda Pusey. Keeley Connors and Baker Earl added single tallies, and Maggie Moriarty distributed an assist. Julia Maloney and Sophie Ochs each made four saves sharing duties in the cage for Holy Cross.
 
The Stags held the advantage in shots, 31-19, and in ground balls, 26-22. Fairfield went 22-of-26 on clearing attempts, while Holy Cross was successful on 18-of-25 clears.
 
Up next, Fairfield hits the road for the first time on Wednesday, Feb. 14 for a 3 p.m. outing at in-state foe UConn. The Stags return to Rafferty Stadium on the following Wednesday, Feb. 21, to host Columbia at 4 p.m.