POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – For the fourth time in program history, Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse is the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Champion. The Stags defeated Canisius, 14-10, this afternoon at Marist's Tenney Stadium to win their first MAAC Championship since 2015. Kathleen Hulseman was named the Most Outstanding Player of the MAAC Championship after racking up 13 points during the Stags' three-game postseason run.
 
Fairfield (13-6) is the first women's lacrosse team to ever win three postseason games en route to a MAAC Championship. The eight members of the senior class are the first eight student-athletes in Fairfield history to have been a part of two MAAC Championship teams. Head Coach Laura Field wins her first conference title as head coach after helping guide the Stags to the 2009 and 2015 crowns as a member of Mike Waldvogel's staff.
 
Hulseman scored a goal with three assists this afternoon, bringing her totals to seven markers and six assists for the postseason. She was joined on the All-Championship Team by Megan Beach, Brenna Connolly, Paulina DiFatta and Kelly Horning.
 
In today's game, Connolly led the attack with three goals and three assists. Brooke Gallagher added three goals with an assist to join Hulseman with four points. Kelly Horning netted her second consecutive hat trick, including the marker that stood up as the game-winner. Rounding out the offense, Taylor Mitchell scored two goals with Olivia Russell and Diana DeVita each adding one tally.
 
DiFatta wrapped up a strong tournament with nine saves. During the postseason, DiFatta posted a .619 save percentage with 39 saves and just 24 goals allowed. Leading the effort in front of the cage today were Erin Mammele and Erin Bauman with two caused turnovers apiece. Beach was charged with locking down MAAC Offensive Player of the Year Jourdan Roemer, who was limited to one goal and one assist. Katie FitzPatrick and Kennedy Slater each added three ground balls.
 
In the midfield, Horning and Mammele each came away with four draw controls. Maggie Reynolds pulled down two and continued her efforts as an integral part of the clearing game to help transition the Stags from defense to the attack.
 
Canisius (11-9) was led by a hat trick from Lauren Smolensky, while Rachel Ryan and Jen Reininger scored two goals apiece. Rebecca VanLaeken made 11 saves in the cage.
 
The Stags will learn their NCAA postseason destination and opponent on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. The selection show will be broadcast live on NCAA.com. FairfieldStags.com will have coverage and additional information throughout the week as the Stags prepare for their third trip to the NCAA postseason.