STORRS, Conn. – In a contest that included eight ties and five lead changes, a late run by host UConn was the difference as the Huskies held off a resilient Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse team to claim a 13-12 decision on Wednesday afternoon in Storrs. Diana DeVita scored four goals as one of three Stags to post four points on the day.
 
In addition to four markers for the rookie DeVita, Lily Crager netted two goals with two assists, and Brenna Connolly was the Stags' top facilitator with three assists as well as one finish of her own. Taylor Mitchell and reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Kelly Horning each potted a pair of goals for Fairfield (1-1). Jillian Winwood added her first career goal, while Brooke Gallagher doled out two assists and Olivia Russell registered one to round out the scoring.
 
In the midfield, Erin Mammele came away with five draw controls, while Horning and Winwood each corralled two. Maggie Reynolds led the ground ball effort with four pick-ups.
 
MAAC Defensive Player of the Week Paulina DiFatta had another strong showing with 13 saves, three ground balls and four caused turnovers. The defense in front of the cage was led by five caused turnovers by Reynolds.
 
UConn's (1-1) attack was led by a hat trick from Kelsey Catalano, who also pulled down 11 draw controls for the Huskies. Grace Breshlian protected the home team's goal to the tune of 15 saves and three ground balls.
 
After the clubs traded goals over the first 10 minutes of action, the game's first run went to the Stags. Horning scored twice during the stretch with single goals coming from Connolly and Crager as Fairfield kept UConn off the board for more than 12 minutes to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 advantage. The Huskies responded in kind with four straight tallies of their own, but DeVita's two goals in a span of just 63 seconds – one assisted by Connolly and the second on a feed from Crager – capped the first half action and sent the visiting Stags into the locker room holding a 7-6 lead.
 
Mitchell started the second-half scoring just 21 seconds in before a pair of UConn goals knotted the game at 8-8 with 24:27 to play. Mitchell struck again as the teams traded goals over the ensuing 10-minute stretch out to a 10-10 tie. The Huskies broke the deadlock to claim an 11-10 lead, but DeVita answered with the equalizer to force an 11-11 stalemate with 8:31 remaining.
 
The Huskies broke the tie, scoring twice to rebuild a lead at 13-11 with time ticking away. Winwood's first career goal cut the margin in half with 1:36 on the clock, but the Huskies hauled in the ensuing draw control. DeVita forced a turnover with 12 seconds to go, but the Stags could not turn the late steal into an offensive chance in the final seconds as UConn hung on to the 13-12 decision.
 
Up next, the Stags return home to Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium to host Columbia next Wednesday, Feb. 21. Opening draw is slated for 4 p.m. with all of the action to be broadcast by the Stags Sports Network on Facebook Live.
 
The Lions, who finished at 7-8 last season, will open their 2018 campaign this Saturday at #10 Navy.