FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Four third-quarter goals for Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse flipped 6-5 halftime deficit into a 9-6 advantage on Wednesday against visiting Vermont, as that Stags rode that lead to a 12-10 victory on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium. Elizabeth Talluto led the offense with a five-point day, and Claire Morris made a season-high 12 saves protecting the Fairfield cage.
 
With their fourth consecutive win, the Stags improve to 4-1. Vermont slides to 5-2.
 
"Our energy and effort in that third quarter were the difference. The players on the field, the players on the sideline, everybody picked up the intensity," said Head Coach Laura Field. "And Claire Morris was outstanding in goal. In a very evenly-matched game, she stood out with the best game she's played for us."
 
Morris's 12 saves included four stops on six Vermont free position shots.
 
The Stags' momentum swing began just before halftime. With Vermont leading 6-4 and holding possession with the shot clock off, Rylee Harrell forced a turnover and carried it coast-to-coast, finishing with a rocket that rattled the cage to send Fairfield into the break trailing, 6-5.
 
After the intermission, the Stags needed just 50 seconds to tie it up courtesy of Grace Slater. Six-and-a-half minutes of scoreless lacrosse ensued before Sarah Bucher got the marker put the Stags on top for good, 7-6. Talluto and Libby Rowe each added a goal during the run, staking Fairfield to a 9-6 lead. Vermont ended its drought, which totaled 14:30 of game time, with a goal in the closing minutes of the third, as the Stags took a 9-7 edge into the final frame.

Fairfield put the game away with the first two tallies of the fourth quarter as Maggie Fort took advantage of an EMO and Talluto finished her hat trick with the Stags down a player. Amanda Kozak would also rattle the cage in the final frame as the Stags salted away the 12-10 victory.
 
Talluto added two assists to her hat trick to post a team-leading five points. She ranks third in the MAAC in goals (18) and points (24) after today's effort. Libby Rowe had a four-point day with two goals and two helpers. Christine Fabrizi also had a pair of goals, and the Stags got single tallies from Slater, Fort, Harrell, Bucher and Kozak. Slater and Brooke Marotti each chipped in an assist.
 
In addition to Morris's 12 saves, the Fairfield defense was buoyed by four caused turnovers and three ground balls by Julia Rigolizzo. Lindsey Barnes had two caused turnovers and picked up five grounders. Harrell added strong defense from the midfield with three caused turnovers and three ground balls.
 
Vermont's Ava Vasile led the attack with three goals and three assists. Jane Trauger also had a hat trick for the Catamounts. Anna Rosenberger made nine saves for the guests.
 
The Stags are back in action on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium this Saturday, March 9 at noon for a visit from Drexel. The Dragons, who are currently in action at #16 Navy, are 3-2 on the season.
 
Admission is free for all fans to all Fairfield Women's Lacrosse regular season home games this season.