FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Faced with a four-goal deficit early in the second half, Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse put together a 7-0 run to claim the lead from visiting Quinnipiac, then held off a late charge from the Bobcats to take a 14-13 decision. The win marked the second straight meeting between the two clubs on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium, and was the second straight win for the Stags over their in-state MAAC foe.
 
Kelly Horning was a force for the Stags on both ends of the field. The senior co-captain netted a hat trick – including back-to-back goals to pull Fairfield even with the Bobcats at 9-9 – and recorded four ground balls, four caused turnovers and five draw controls. She capped the day by hauling in the final draw control in the game's closing seconds, absorbing stiff contact from the Bobcats to maintain possession as time expired.
 
"[Horning] is such a difference maker," said Head Coach Laura Field. "Her three goals were certainly needed, but her draw controls and her defense at the end of the game to get the ball back were what won the game for us. She's just an outstanding player and a true two-way midfielder."
 
Three Stags shared the team high of four points apiece as Diana DeVita, Brooke Lennon and Ellie Grefenstette each registered two goals and two assists. DeVita's finish on a give-and-go with Lennon with 3:09 to play was the marker that stood up as the game-winner, staking the Stags to a 14-11 advantage.
 
Meaghan Graham and Arianna Lavelle both netted two goals, and Rylee Harrell posted a goal and an assist to round out the scoring. Harrell also hauled in six draw controls with a pair of caused turnovers.
 
The Stags' defensive effort was bolstered by three ground balls and two caused turnovers from Maggie Reynolds. Caroline Mangan also had a pair of caused turnovers, including drawing a crucial charge while the Bobcats were on the attack.
 
Olivia Conquest went the distance in the cage and made eight saves to earn the win.
 
Quinnipiac benefited from hat tricks by Maddie Deegan, Sophia Iaccino and Maddie Noel, with Gabby Beckett scoring one goal and dishing out four assists.
 
Action returns to Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium this Saturday, March 13 when Fairfield hosts Niagara for a noon opening draw. The Purple Eagles will be making their season debut on Saturday against the Stags.