PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Fairfield University Women's Basketball team surrendered 29 points in the third quarter, as the Temple Owls extended their lead to 16 points heading into the final quarter, before taking a 76-59 decision against the Stags. The Stags had three student-athletes in double figures in their season opening loss, including a career-high 13 points for sophomore captain Rachel Hakes.
 
Both teams were highly anticipating the start of the season and it showed in the first quarter as both squads shot 50 percent from the field and combined for seven 3-pointers.
 
The reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year, Lou Lopez-Senechal was the focal point of the Stags' offensive success in the first quarter as she connected on her first three shots from deep and her first four overall. Lopez-Senechal racked up 11 first quarter points in just five minutes, scoring 11 of the team's first 15 points.
 
The first quarter would end up being the best for the Stags as they would grab the lead at the end of the first quarter after an Andrea Hernangomez offensive rebound and put back layup to give Fairfield a 20-18 advantage.
 
Temple would quickly grab the lad by netting the first seven points of the second quarter in just over a minute. Temple would grab their largest lead at 25-20 after that run, but the Fairfield defense would lock down after. The Owls were limited to just two points over the next eight minutes and Fairfield took advantage.
 
Katie Armstrong highlighted the Fairfield rally as she connected on a 3-pointer from the top of the key to tie the score at 27. This score was set up by a complete team effort that featured two offensive rebounds and Armstrong hitting the trifecta as time expired.
 
The Owls would regain the lead with a five point surge in the final 45 seconds of the first half. Before the 5-0 run, the Owls had been without a point for nearly 6:30.
 
Temple would start the third quarter on another run, this time tallying the first eight points of the half. That scoring output was just the beginning for the Owls as they netted 29 points in the third quarter, going 10-for-17 from the field, to gain a 61-45 lead heading into the final quarter.
 
The Owls would stay hot from long range as they ended up connecting on 10 3-pointers in the game for the victory.
 
Hakes neared her first career double-double as she set personal best with 13 points and a game-high eight assist. Lopez-Senechal netted 15 points and Katie Armstrong added 11. From the shooting guard position, Sam Kramer added five assists for the Stags as the team would end up assisting on 15 of their 17 made baskets.
 
The Stags will have an early wakeup call for their next game when they travel to Seton Hall to face the Pirates on Saturday at 11am.