PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Trailing 8-5 with just 15 minutes to play, Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse scored back-to-back goals to climb within one of #13/15 Rutgers on Saturday afternoon. However, it was the host Scarlet Knights who made the game's final run to pull away for a 12-7 decision at High Points Solution Stadium in Piscataway.

With the loss, the Stags fall to 1-2 on the season. Rutgers improves to 3-1.
 
Joe Rodrigues led the Fairfield attack with three goals – including one of the two fourth-quarter markers – and an assist. Colin Burke added a pair of goals, with Dylan Beckwith and Frankie Labetti each netting one. Labetti's goal in the final frame of action was the first of his career. In addition to Rodrigues's helper, Charlie Curran dished out a pair of assists and Brendan Quinn distributed one.
 
With their performances today, Rodrigues extends his streak to eight straight games with a goal – a run that has featured six multi-goal efforts – while Beckwith continues his stretch of 14 consecutive outings notching at least one point.
 
In the midfield, Will Fox went 11-for-23 on faceoff attempts and scooped up a team-best five ground balls. Adam Riestis added a pair of ground balls from the defensive midfield.
 
Sean McKee helmed the Fairfield cage and made a career-best 13 saves. His performance included six stops in the second quarter and four in the final frame to help facilitate a pair of scoring runs for the Stags.
 
All-America attackman Jules Heningburg led the Rutgers offense with four goals and two assists, whilel Christian Mazzone added two goals and two helpers. Max Edelmann made 11 saves to earn the decision in the Scarlet Knights' cage.
 
Rutgers outshot the Stags, 39-34, and held a 32-22 advantage in ground balls. The Scarlet Knights also nabbed a slight edge in faceoffs, winning 12 draws to Fairfield's 11. The Stags went 16-for-19 on the clear, while Rutgers was 18-for-20.
 
Action returns to Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 27 when the Stags host in-state foe Hartford at 3 p.m. The Hawks (0-2) fell to Bryant, 15-10, this afternoon and previously took a 14-12 setback at St. John's.
 
Next Tuesday's game starts a six-game homestand for the Stags that will also feature contests with Stony Brook, Quinnipiac, #11/11 Yale, #15/16 Penn State and NJIT.
 
Fairfield Lacrosse fans can purchase a $40 LaxPass for admission to all eight remaining regular season home games. Single-game tickets are also on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.