BURLINGTON, Vt. – Fairfield University Women's Lacrosse turned in its strongest defensive outing in over a decade to roll past host Vermont, 10-2, on Wednesday afternoon in the Stags' non-conference finale. Whitney Robinson made a career-high 12 saves on 14 shots protecting the cage, and three Stags netted two goals apiece to guide the attack.
 
With the win, the Stags conclude non-conference play at 5-3, while UVM falls to an even 4-4 tally.
 
The Stags' two goals allowed are the fewest by a Fairfield team in the possession clock era (2017-pres.). Fairfield last conceded just two goals in the first-ever women's lacrosse game played at Rafferty Stadium: an 11-2 win over Sacred Heart on Feb. 14, 2015.
 
Robinson made seven saves in the first half as Fairfield took a 4-2 lead into the intermission. The graduate student from Baltimore added five more stops after the break, holding the host Catamounts scoreless for the entire second half.
 
The defense in front of Robinson was guided by three caused turnovers from Haley Burns, two caused turnovers and two ground balls by Katherine Shammas, and five grounders scooped by Sophia Colasacco. Grace Kiernan added two ground balls, and Robinson vacated the cage to collect four. Fairfield forced 13 Vermont turnovers, won the ground ball battle by a 17-12 count, and did not allow an even strength goal as both UVM tallies were scored with a player advantage.
 
Kelly Haggerty paced the attack with two goals and two assists. Chalotte Loughlin scored the first two goals of the game, while Kit Zanelli netted one goal with a second to go in the first half and then opened the second half scoring to start Fairfield on its game-ending 7-0 run.
 
Paige Gardner added a goal and an assist for the Stags, and the trio of Tessa Caputo, Kyleigh Tufano, and Lizzie Getz each scored one goal. Rounding out the offense, Burns added an assist to her outstanding work in the defensive midfield.
 
The Stags stayed on the attack with a 7-6 edge on the restart. Brynn Donnelly pulled down five draw controls, while Caputo and Lila Berkery won one apiece to get the offense moving.
 
Maddie Erskin and Caitlin Haggerty each scored a goal for Vermont, and Karina Sethi registered an assist. Ayla Shea had eight saves in the UVM cage.
 
The Stags begin MAAC play on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium next Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m. against Siena. The Saints are 5-2 on the season entering their non-conference finale later today at URI.
 
Admission is free for all fans to all Fairfield Women's Lacrosse regular season home games this season.