FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Despite yielding a first-inning run, the Fairfield University softball team was able to push past Columbia University with a 4-1 win at Alumni Softball Field. Mikayla Rubin and Kaitlin Hoffman each picked up a pair of hits in the win while different Stags drove in a run.

Columbia did not allow the unfamiliar surroundings of Alumni Softball Field to affect it as the Lions scored a run in the first at bat of the game. Maria Pagane started the game with a triple to the right-center field gap, setting up Max Ortega's RBI ground out to shortstop.Starting pitcher Lauryn Rhinehart settled down after that first inning hiccup, allowing just three hits over her final six innings of work. The right hander earned her fifth win of the season by striking out five batters while walking two batters.

Fairfield took the lead in the bottom of the second inning by piecing together three hits and working a walk along with a hit batter. With so many Stags on the basepaths, it was just a matter of time before the team would find a way to score runs. Drew Westford brought home the first run with a looping single to left field that tied the game when Lacey Olaff, who was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning, ran home to make it a 1-1 game. Tahlia Brown his a line drive to left-center field for a clean single that allowed Kaitlin Hoffman to touch home plate. 

The home team tacked on a run in the third inning as Fairfield's first two hitters secured a base hit that resulted in a run. Rubin started the inning with a double to center field. Lacey Olaff responded with a base hit in her next plate appearances, giving a two-run lead to the Stags. Fairfield's final run came about in the sixth inning when two hits were responsible for the team's fourth run. Madison Robicheau singled to put a runner on the base paths and moved into scoring position following a sacrifice bunt. Rubin brought home the fourth run with a single to center field, bringing the score to 4-1.

Fairfield will return to conference play this weekend with a pair of games at Siena College beginning at 10 am and a home doubleheader against Saint Peter's University on Saturday with first pitch slated for noon.