FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse begins a six-game homestand on Tuesday afternoon with a visit from in-state foe Hartford. Opening faceoff from Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium is slated for 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.
 
Last Time Out
Trailing 8-5 with just 15 minutes to play on Saturday, Fairfield scored back-to-back goals to climb within one of #13/15 Rutgers. However, it was the host Scarlet Knights who made the game's final run to pull away for a 12-7 decision.
 
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. In addition to Rodrigues's helper, Charlie Curran dished out a pair of assists and Brendan Quinn distributed one.
 
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.
 
Scouting Hartford
The University of Hartford Hawks take the trip down I-95 in search of their first victory of 2018. Hartford previously dropped a 14-12 contest at St. John's and most recently fell at home against Bryant, 15-10, this past Saturday. The Hawks have been tabbed for a fifth-place finish in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll after registering a 6-8 overall mark and 2-4 conference tally in 2017. Hartford was the underdog champion of the America East in 2016 following a tournament run that included an overtime upset at #4 Albany in the semifinals.
 
This spring, the Hartford attack is led by 2017 First Team All-America East performer Griffin Feiner. Feiner has scored six goals and handed out five assists – both team highs – through two games after netting 32 goals with 19 helpers last season. Justin Huggins adds five goals for the Hawks.
 
All-America faceoff man Dylan Protesto has followed up his Second Team All-America East showing last spring with a 37-for-52 (.712) start at the faceoff X in 2018. His mark on the draw ranks third in the nation behind only Albany's TD Ierlan and Denver's Trevor Baptiste. Protesto has also collected 18 ground balls.
 
A duo has shared the effort in the Hartford cage thus far in 2018. Nicholas Ferraro started the season opener and made 11 saves with 14 goals allowed against St. John's, while Ryan Vanderford ceded 15 goals with seven stops last Saturday against Bryant. Vanderford started 11 games for the Hawks in 2017, posting a .522 save percentage and 10.09 goals-against average.
 
All-Time Series vs. Hartford (Hartford leads 6-3)
Fairfield defeated the Hawks in 2010 and 2011 in the only two meetings under Head Coach Andy Copelan, reviving a series that had been dormant since 1999. Hartford holds a 6-3 lead in the series overall with an even 2-2 split in the four prior contests played at Fairfield.
 
Tickets
Fairfield Lacrosse fans can purchase a LaxPass for only $40 for admission to all eight remaining Fairfield Men's Lacrosse regular season home games, including Tuesday's game against the Hawks. Single-game tickets are also on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.
 
Parking & Tailgate Information
Parking for fans is available on a first come, first served basis. Fans may be directed by Public Safety personnel to designated parking areas. Fans are asked to observe all parking signs as they relate to handicapped, reserved or restricted parking.
 
Campus Map
 
Please note that the Walsh Athletic Center/Rafferty Stadium parking lot is closed to the general public during men's and women's lacrosse home games. Tailgating is limited to the Loyola gravel lot (Fairfield) and the Dolan East lot on Mooney Road (Hartford). Tailgating activities are prohibited in all other academic and residential parking lots and in the Kelley Center parking garage. Fans are reminded that classes will be in session at both Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep.
 
Handicapped parking is available in all lots for those with proper permits on a first come, first served basis. Those in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact Fairfield Athletics at 203-254-4000 ext. 2208 to ensure that proper accommodations are met.
 
The follow items are not permitted inside Rafferty Stadium:
• Alcohol of any kind
• Outside food and drink
• Glass bottles, cans, frozen drinks, coolers, thermoses or ice chests
• Seat cushions measuring larger than 18" and contain zippers, pockets or concealable areas
• Any animal with the exception of a service animal (must provide certification upon request)
• Weapons (including knives), any item that may be used as a projectile or one that is deemed dangerous by Stadium management
• Any other item deemed inappropriate by Stadium management
 
Up Next
The Stags continue their Rafferty Stadium residency on Saturday, March 3 for a 1 p.m. visit from Stony Brook. The Seawolves, who will travel to Hofstra on Tuesday, are currently 0-3 on the season with losses to Sacred Heart, #16 Penn State and Brown on their ledger. Tickets to Saturday's game are on sale at FairfieldStags.com/TIX
 
Saturday's Promotions
 
Seat Cushion Giveaway: The first 400 fans in attendance will receive a free Fairfield Lacrosse seat cushion
 
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day: All Fairfield faculty and staff will receive an extra free ticket (in addition to their own) by presenting their StagCard at the ticket window on gameday.