WORCESTER, Mass. – Host Holy Cross broke an 8-8 deadlock with a 5-0 run, and Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse shrank the margin but never drew even again in Saturday's 2024 season opener in Worcester as the Crusaders held on for a 17-16 decision. Amanda Kozak and Elizabeth Talluto each posted five points for the Stags.
 
Fairfield's 16-goal showing included goals from seven different players. Kozak set that pace with four goals to go along with an assist. Talluto added a hat trick and two helpers, and Brooke Marotti had a hat trick for her first career multi-goal outing.
 
Maggie Fort and Libby Rowe notched identical scoring lines with two goals and one assist apiece, while Grace Slater and the debuting Christine Fabrizi each had one goal and one assist. Haley Burns rounded out the scoring with one assist.
 
The Stags gained a 24-13 advantage on the draw, with Brynn Donnelly pulling down seven draw controls. Outside the circle, Rylee Harrell collected five and Fabrizi scooped up four. Fabrizi and goalkeeper Claire Morris each picked up three ground balls.
 
On the defensive end, Lindsey Barnes had a pair of caused turnovers and a ground ball. Morris made eight saves in her Fairfield debut.
 
Holy Cross benefitting from five goals and two assists for Sally Zinsner. Ella Kittredge also had five goals for the Crusaders, with Isabela Miller scoring a pair of goals alongside five assists. Tori Cini made 11 saves in the Holy Cross cage.
 
Up next, Fairfield opens the home slate with back-to-back games on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium. The Stags host UConn on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and UAlbany on Saturday, Feb. 17. Admission is free for all fans to all regular season home games this season