JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Nine different Stags got into the scoring column, led by a game-high 21 points by Callie Cavanaugh, as the Fairfield University Women's Basketball team started conference play with a 76-49 victory at Saint Peter's. Cavanaugh was one of three Stags to tally double figures followed by Mimi Rubino's 12 points and Brooke Tatarian chipping in a career-high 10.

"Every conference game is challenging, especially when they are on the road, so I'm really pleased with us starting off MAAC play with a win," Head Coach Carly Thibault DuDonis said. "We played selfless basketball and with a sense of urgency that, when done consistently, will give  us an opportunity to be successful every night." 
 
The Stags found their momentum in the final minute of the first quarter as Fairfield ended the period on a 5-0 run which was capped by a Tatarian 3-pointer.
 
Fairfield would extend that lead to double figures with a 9-0 run midway through the second quarter as a 3-pointer from Izabela Nicoletti-Leite capped the run and put the score at 32-19. Lauren Beach would put the team into the locker room with a last-second layup as the Stags enjoyed a 15-point halftime lead.
 
Rubino would be a key figure in a 10-0 run in the third quarter as she connected on two 3-pointers to give Fairfield a 19-point advantage.
 
Fairfield would make the lead even more sizeable as Cavanaugh became the focal point of the offense with 10-straight Fairfield points and helped the Stags to an 8-0 run to end the third quarter and put the score at 62-38.
 
The Stags would shoot 43 percent while tying a season-high 32 made field goals. Fairfield also won the rebounding battle by grabbing 50 rebounds, their most caroms in a game since Feb. 18, 2020 when they brought in 55 rebounds against the Peacocks. Twenty-one of those rebounds came from the offensive glass, helping the Stags to 15 second chance points.
 
On the defensive side, the Stags held Saint Peter's to just 16 made field goals, the fewest from an opponent this season. They forced 21 turnovers and notched 24 points off of those miscues.
 
Fairfield also received 33 points off the bench led by Rubino's career-high 12. Tatarian also notched a personal-best with 10 points with a perfect 2-for-2 from 3-point range.
 
Cavanaugh led all scorers with 21 points, her fourth game this season to reach 20 or more points. The MAAC's leading scorer is also now just 36 points away from the 1,000 career point mark.
 
In just 10 minutes of action, Mackenzie Daleba almost recorded a double-double finishing with career-highs of eight points and nine rebounds.
 
Nicoletti-Leite orchestrated the offense with a game-high six assists and three steals.
 
 The Stags will have a quick turnaround when they host Iona on Monday night at 7pm. The game will also be Fairfield's annual toy drive. The Fairfield University's Women's Basketball team is teaming up with Al's Angels in hosting a toy drive. Al's Angels has provided an Amazon wishlist. Each person that donates will receive one free scoop of ice cream to Saugatuck Sweets and be entered into a raffle to win a gift card to Saugatuck Sweets (proof of purchase is necessary, an Amazon receipt/confirmation email is best). 
 
To learn more about Al's Angels and their mission of providing support to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters & severe financial hardship, visit their site.