FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University softball team will host Boston University for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 18 at Alumni Softball Field. The twin bill is an addition to the 2023 schedule after the team saw its five-game slate canceled at the University of Kansas which was originally scheduled. Saturday's first game with Boston University will begin at 12:30 pm with the second game to follow at approximately 2:30 pm. 

The Stags have fell victim to inclement weather throughout the opening few weeks of the season, losing seven of their 19 scheduled games because of weather and field conditions. In addition to picking up a pair of games, Fairfield also gets to play its home opener a few weeks earlier rather than have to wait until April 1 when the Stags host Rider University. 

The team opens this week's play with a 3-9 overall record against a schedule that has included a nationally-ranked team and schools from the ACC and Big Ten. Graduate student Kaitlin Hoffman and senior Megan Forbes have enjoyed a solid start to the 2023 season with both owning a .333 batting average. Hoffman has 12 hits in 36 at-bats along with four doubles and six RBI while Forbes has posted 11 hits in 33 at-bats with five doubles, a triple, and six RBI. Sophomore Charli Warren has been the team's most successful base runner so far, scoring a team-best 10 runs and stealing a team-leading five stolen bases through her 12 starts. She owns a .444 on-base percentage which is aided by her .324 batting average.

Three different pitchers have a victory for the Stags, namely Alli Bridgman, Samantha Lindsay, and Alyssa Weinberg. Weinberg is averaging 5.83 strikeouts per seven innings, fanning 16 batters in 19 innings pitched. Bridgman is the team leader with 17 strikeouts through her 27 innings pitched and has the team's lone save on the season. Lindsay, who has come out of the bullpen for four of her seven appearances, along with Bailey Taylor serve as the team's primary relievers. Taylor has come out of the bullpen for all five of her appearances, registering five strikeouts in four-plus innings of work.

Boston University owns a 17-6 overall record to date, winning four of its last five decisions which includes a shutout over nationally-ranked Baylor University. Like Fairfield, the Terriers have run into some bad luck when it comes to weather, losing their last five scheduled games to inclement weather.

Kayla Roncin and Lauren Keleher are two of the six BU student-athletes that have started all 23 games. The duo also represents the team's two .400-plus hitters, checking into the weekend with a .434 and .414 batting average respectively. Roncin has served as one of the team's top run producers with 18 runs scored, three home runs, and 17 RBI. Brooke Deppiesse is the only Terrier with more RBI, collecting 18 in 23 starts this season.

Allison Boaz has dominated from the pitching circle, registering a 9-3 record with a 1.98 ERA over her team-high 63.2 innings pitched. Kasey Ricard owns the top strikeout total with 63 in 52.2 innings pitched, helping her put together a 6-2 record through her team-best 15 appearances.

Following this doubleheader, Fairfield will return to the road for a pair of in-state games next week. The Stags will open the week by traveling to Central Connecticut State University on Wednesday, March 22 and end with a single game at Sacred Heart University on March 23.