The Fairfield University men’s lacrosse team (9-1, 2-1 CAA) continues to make history, despite recently taking its first loss of the season. The Stags had climbed to No. 12 in the national rankings—the second-highest position in program history, just one spot shy of their No. 11 ranking in 2014.
The Stags opened with a 9-0 record, including a flawless 6-0 record at home. The club has displayed exceptional offense and defense as they are averaging 15.30 goals per game while giving up just 8.30— ranking them seventh in scoring defense. Additionally, they hold one of the best scoring offenses in the country with a scoring margin of 7.89, ranking them fourth in the nation.
Now, with the perfect record no longer intact, the Stags shift their focus toward their next opponent, Hofstra University (7-2, 3-0 CAA). The Pride visit Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium on Saturday, April 5th at 12 p.m. for an in-conference showdown. This matchup will be crucial for the Stags as they look to bounce back from their first loss of the season, ending their streak of being the only undefeated team left in Division I lacrosse. With Hofstra looking for a top spot in the CAA standings, the Stags look to use their resilience to secure a key victory at home.
Freshman Devin Lampron, who is tied for the team lead at 23 goals, and sophomore Keegan Lynch, who leads the team with 19 assists and 31 points, have led the potent offense so far this year. The two have been a large reason the Stags rank third in points per game with 24.40 and fourth in assists per game with 9.10.
“I think what’s been working so well for me is just being on the same page as my teammates throughout every single game,” Lynch said. The connections we have built translate onto the field and our trust in each other is very real and evident. The stats are just numbers on a piece of paper. I just play within the flow of the offense and trust my teammates and I happen to get some great opportunities that I look to capitalize on.”
Lynch acknowledged the accomplishment when he was asked about being part of the highest-ranked Fairfield team in more than ten years, but he also highlighted the team’s mentality. “The ranking is great but only means so much. Our teams’ process focuses on becoming the best possible versions of ourselves and I think we are still climbing every day to reach that feat,” the attackman said. “I believe the best is yet to come with the group we have this year. All of our goals are still in front of us, and we are working every day to improve as a unit.”
Fairfield has been equally impressive defensively, leading all of Division I lacrosse in caused turnovers per game with 12.50.
Senior Owen Hirsch has been outstanding for the Stags in net. Hirsch has been in net for all nine Fairfield wins so far. He boasts a 8.42 goals-against average, ranking tenth in the nation, while boasting a .523 save percentage.
Staying in a routine throughout practice into play and further into my everyday life keeps me confident in not only myself, but also our team,” Hirsch says. “My defense is another leading factor. They give me the shots I want to be seeing in order to be successful. Our coaches stress the idea in the separation of ‘to be’ or ‘to do.’ The principle of being a ‘do-er’ allows us to act towards our goals rather than just dream of them.”
When the Fairfield goaltender was asked if he felt any extra pressure when they were the last undefeated team in the country, Hirsch responded, “I think there’s always going to be pressure, no matter your record,” the senior emphasized. “However, most of the pressure we feel is during our practices. We know that our toughest opponent is going to be ourselves. Therefore, we strive to make the practice setting something even more competitive than what we can expect in a game. I’d say the main thing having a 9-0 record has given us is positive momentum. That’s what we are going to feel the extra pressure to maintain going forward.”
Fairfield’s success has been driven by its efficiency across key areas, particularly faceoff wins and ball control being the most notable. The Stags have won 58.2% of faceoffs (156-112), ranking 13th in the NCAA and allowing them to consistently dictate possession. Additionally, they hold a ground ball advantage over opponents, averaging 36.50 per game, which ranks third in college lacrosse.
As Fairfield turns to its upcoming matchup against Hofstra, the Stags look to bounce back and maintain their strong position in conference play in an effort to climb the national rankings once again.