After a slow start to the season, Fairfield women’s lacrosse has found their groove. Despite struggling through a difficult non-conference slate, the Stags have opened conference play with a 2-0 record, winning both contests by 10 goals.
Now, they’ll play host to Quinnipiac this afternoon before traveling to Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday, looking to extend the streak.
Graduate student Amanda Kozak earned MAAC Offensive Player of the Week after contributing a career-high nine points in the 17-7 win over Rider last weekend.
“We had the kind of balance we’re looking for on offense,” head coach Laura Field told fairfieldstags.com after the game. “Obviously, Kozak was outstanding with nine points, but she wasn’t forcing it and having nine different players score with 13 assisted goals is the style that we’re looking to play.”
Contrary to Fairfield’s strong form, their opponent later today in Quinnipiac enters the contest on a four-game skid, including two straight losses to open conference play. The Bobcats are averaging 10 goals per game over that span, but are surrendering 15.75.
The Stags will hope Kozak can stay hot and take advantage of that struggling defense to keep their streak alive.
Then on Saturday, the trip to Emmitsburg, Md. will see the Stags match up with the Mountaineers, who are also undefeated in the conference pending a result today against Rider.
The team has forged an identity in playing close games; in all six of their matches in March, the score ended within a margin of three goals. The Mountaineers went 3-3 in those games.
It’s a stark difference from how the season has played out for the Stags, as the closest margin of victory or defeat they’ve had all year is four. On Saturday afternoon, something will have to give.
The Stags’ matchup with Quinnipiac is slated for 2 p.m. this afternoon on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium. Admission is free for all fans and students.