FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield University softball team used timely hitting and strong pitching efforts from Bailey Taylor and Alyssa Weinberg to collect a split with Manhattan College in the first two games of a three-game set. The Stags dropped the opener by a 4-2 score before returning with a 7-2 victory in the nightcap. 

The Jaspers used a quick start to gain enough run support in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding a fourth in the third inning. Maddy Wier sparked Manhattan with a two-run homer in the top of the first while Sophia Kiseloski contributed with a sacrifice fly later in the frame to build a 3-0 lead. Kiseloski came back with another sacrifice fly in the third inning that provided starting pitcher Mollie Charest with enough offense to pick up the win in the pitching circle.

Fairfield managed to solve Charest in the bottom of the third with a two-out rally that cut the deficit in half at 4-2. Martina Guitierrez picked up Fairfield's first hit of the game with a line drive double Charli Warren followed with a triple down the right field line, beating the drawn-in outfield. The junior scampered home with the second run after Morgan Sylvestre placed a perfect bunt between the pitcher and catcher, allowing the infielder to beat out the throw.

Head Coach Julie Brzezinski turned to sophomore Alyssa Weinberg to keep the deficit within reach and the left hander did just that. Weinberg allowed just three base runners during her stint in the circle, yielding one hit and walking two while fanning one hitter. Her ability to keep the game close nearly paid off in the seventh inning when Fairfield recorded a pair of hits to put the tying runs on the base paths but a strikeout ended the comeback bid.

The Stags received a boost from Bailey Taylor in the second game as the senior earned the start and responded with five-plus innings of near perfect pitching. The right hander yielded both runs in the 7-2 win but neither was earned. The Jaspers plated those two runs after an error opened up the inning to set up a two-out, two-run single by Anissa Villalobos. Before Villalobos' hit, the Stags built a 2-0 lead with a single run in both the first and second innings. Anna Paravati brought home the first run with a single through the left side while Danica Silvestri dropped in a run-scoring base hit in the second inning.

After Manhattan tied the game, Fairfield responded with three unearned runs of its own in the bottom of the fifth. Allie Bridgman brought home the first run with single while Gillian Deans followed with a two-run single to set up a 5-2 Stags' lead. Bridgman closed out the Stags' offensive effort with a two-run single in the sixth inning, giving the senior three RBI in the game.

Taylor started the sixth inning but a pair of base runners forced Coach Brzezinski to go back to her bull pen, Weinberg returned to the pitching circle and was able to get out of the sixth-inning jam before completing the save opportunity with by putting the visitors down in order.

Fairfield and Manhattan will close out the three-game series with a single game on Wednesday beginning at 3 pm.