FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University softball team could not have started their 2019 home opener any better, scoring the first four runs of the game to take the lead after three innings of play. Seton Hall had different plans though and would send four runners across home plate over the next two innings before breaking open the game with five runs in the top of the eighth, leading the Pirates to a 9-4 win over the Stags at Alumni Softball Field.

After a scoreless first inning, it seemed like the Stags would be the team to break things open when they tallied three runs in their half of the second, using three hits to take the early lead. With the bases loaded, Cynthia Meringer used a ground out a bring home Lauryn Rhinehart, who opened the inning with a walk. Madison Robicheau also used a ground out to pick up an RBI as Kaitlin Hoffman scampered home to build a 2-0 lead for Fairfield. Amanda Ulzheimer closed the rally with an infield single between the pitching circle and third base that allowed Maria Telle to make it a 3-0 game.

In the fourth inning, Fairfield tallied its fourth run of the game without benefit of a hit. Sam Merino opened the frame with a walk and stole second to put herself in scoring position. Mikayla Rubin advanced the runner with a ground out back to the pitcher while Rhinehart send a hard grounder to second that recorded the second out but also chased home Merino with the team's final run of the game.

The Pirates found their offensive footing in the fourth inning, putting together four hits to score three runs with two outs that brought the visiting team within a run at 4-3. Hailey Arteaga sliced a single to record two runs while Janae Barracato also picked up an RBI base hit for Seton Hall. The team tied the game in its next at-bat, collecting three hits the last of which served as an RBI single off the bat Jaden Tate.

Both teams showed opportunities over the next two plus innings but none of those chances were converted into runs. The game changed course in the top of the eighth inning when Seton Hall took advantage of some questionable fielding that turned into three unearned runs as Seton Hall collected five runs in its half of the inning. The Stags threatened in the bottom of the eighth by getting the first two runners on base - a single by Rhinehart and a walk by Hoffman - but a strikeout and a pair of ground outs ended the scoring threat.

Fairfield will open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this weekend with a pair of road doubleheaders. The Stags start with a twin bill at Marist College on Saturday before playing two games at Siena on Sunday. Both doubleheaders start at 12 pm.