Fairfield looks to continue strong play going into Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference matches after splitting matches against Bryant and Central Connecticut State University. The Stags have been turning heads with their strong performance throughout all of Non-Conference play, especially against some notable opponents.
The Stags concluded their non-conference play this weekend with a 6-4 record, following a tough loss against Bryant last Wednesday and a nice win against CCSU on Friday. They look to continue this into conference play with their first three games being at home against Merrimack, Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart.
Fairfield had a heartbreaking loss against Bryant in Smithfield, R.I., on Wednesday night with a 3-1 set loss. Even though the score makes it look worse than it was, Fairfield could have easily reversed this scoreline, with most sets being very close in score. Bryant took the first set with a score of 25-22. Then Fairfield was able to take one back at a score of 25-23. Then Bryant was able to win the next two with Fairfield fighting till the end, dropping the last set 23-25.
Strong performances from senior Middle Blocker Maya Walker and senior Setter Abby Jandro. Walker led the team in kills and blocks, recording 14 kills and three blocks. Meanwhile, Jandro led the team with 20 assists and 12 digs.
Next, the Stags traveled to New Britain, Conn. to play CCSU on Friday night. Fairfield showed utter dominance against CCSU, winning 3-0 and not even letting CCSU to get to the 20-point mark in any of the sets.
This dominance was asserted by players like first-year Right Side Emma Bortolotti and sophomore Defensive Specialist Delaney Moon. Bortolotti led the team with eight kills, while Moon led the team with 11 digs in this match.
Now Fairfield looks forward to a three-game homestead against MAAC opponents. The Stags want to continue their control over the MAAC conference after winning the conference the past two seasons.
Fairfield starts MAAC play against Merrimack on Sept. 26 at Mahony Arena. Even though these teams have only played twice the Stags have been dominant never allowing Merrimack to win a set. Merrimack is 2-7 this year with a key win against CCSU with a score of 3-2.
Some players that the Stags have to look for is sophomore Mckenna Shotwell who leads the team in kills. Also, junior Sophia Debonis who leads the team in assists.
The Stags then play Quinnipiac the next day on Sept. 27 at Mahony Arena. Quinnipiac is 3-9 so far this season with a loss against Towson earlier this year who Fairfield was able to beat. Fairfield has never lost a home match against Quinnipiac with a 15-0 record. Also Fairfield leads the all time record with a 26-5 record.
Notable players for Quinnipiac are graduate Elena Giacomini and senior Damla Gunes. Both girls serve for Quinnipiac, with Giacomini leading in kills and Gunes leading in assists.
The last home game for the Stags is against rivals Sacred Heart on Sept. 30 at Mahony Arena. Sacred Heart is 3-9 on the season with a 3-2 win against CCSU. Fairfield is on a three game winning streak against them with an all time record of 15-5 against Sacred Heart. Some notable players for Sacred Heart are first-year Ryleigh Short who leads in kills. Also junior Lauren Hubert leads in serves for the team.
Fairfield will have to rely on players like senior Allie Elliott and junior Mamie Krubally who are the top two players in kills. Also Jandro leads the team in assists. These players will be crucial for the Stags with three games coming up that are great opportunities for them to start off on the right foot.
