FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse erased an early deficit in Saturday's season opener on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium, but the Stags were unable to keep pace with visiting Holy Cross in a 22-13 contest. Kelly Haggerty and Grace Slater led the Fairfield offense with four points apiece.
 
Haggerty's four-point day consisted for a hat trick with one assist, while Slater netted two goals and dished out two helpers. Katelyn Greeley pitched in the first two goals of her Fairfield career, and the Stags benefited from one goal and one assist apiece by Katie Bergen and Amanda Kozak.
 
Rounding out the scoring, Brooke Marotti, Haley Burns, Kit Zanelli and Mary Henry scored one goal apiece. Zanelli's tally was the first goal of her Fairfield career in her Stags' debut.
 
On the defensive end, Preseason All-MAAC selection Haley Burns had three caused turnovers and a ground ball. Grace Kiernan picked up three grounders and Delaney Brimhall nabbed two.
 
Brynn Donnelly led the action on the restart with eight draw controls. Bergen took over at the X in the second half and won five draws, while Slater had two working from the wing.
 
Two Fairfield rookie goalkeepers made their respective collegiate debuts on Saturday. Ally Zamparelli got the start and made five saves in the first half. Kiera Furey completed the effort and finished with three saves and three ground balls.
 
Holy Cross was led by six goals and three assists from Sally Zinsner. Kate Avitabile and Isabela Miller had six points apiece with twin stat lines of one goal and five assists.
 
Fairfield Women's Lacrosse is back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at UConn. The Stags will also venture to Boston University on Feb. 19 before returning home to host Hofstra on Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon.
 
Admission is free for all Fairfield Women's Lacrosse home games this season.