Women Drop 2nd Straight Close Game

Once again Fairfield fell behind early in the game, and once again, their furious comeback fell just shy.

The final score of 64-60 shows a close game, but it took until midway through the second half for the Stags to begin playing to their potential.

Up by eight at the half, St. Francis came out and opened a 16 point lead with 17:20 left to play in the game. For there, Fairfield buckled down and held the Terriers without a basket for nearly five minutes, leading to an 11-0 Stags run.

Freshman Stephanie Geehan hit two jumpers to start the run, followed by a fast break layup from sophomore Baendu Lowenthal. Lowenthal then stripped the ball on the next possesion, leading senior Cara Murphy scoring three the old-fashioned way, a bucket then the foul shot. Lowenthal made another layup to cut the lead to five, 46-41.

However, from then on out, the Terriers were able to answer whenever the Stags threatened to pull close again. Yet, with 37.9 to play, the Stags were still only down three. They had the ball, and took a timeout to step something up.

However, the Stags were unable to get a good look and were forced to take another timeout with just 9.4 left in the game. Unfortunately, a travel call with 5.4 seconds, turned the ball over to St. Francis, who then iced the game, hitting one of two foul shots after Fairfield was forced to foul.

Senior guard Sabra Wrice led the Stags in scoring with 13. She also pulled down nine rebounds and dished out five assists.

Lowenthal also had another good game with her third double-double of the season. She had 12 points along with 10 rebounds.

The loss drops Fairfield to 6-7 overall on the season and improves St. Francis to 5-8. The game also concluded a program-high eight game road trip spanning from November 28th to January 2nd.

The Stags return home this Saturday at Alumni Hall to face Marist, beginning the final stretch of conference play. Fairfield is currently tied for first in the MAAC at 2-0 along with Marist and Iona.

-Chris Simmons