Hempstead, NY - Down by seven goals early in the third quarter, the Hofstra women's lacrosse team used a 5-0 scoring run to close the gap to two but were unable to complete the rally as they dropped a 12-9 decision to Fairfield on Saturday afternoon at James M. Shuart Stadium. 

Nikki Mennella led Hofstra with four goals in the game, including a pair during the late game run. Lauren Coletti added two goals for the Pride. 

Hofstra dropped to 1-2 with the loss, while Fairfield improved to 3-1 with the victory. 

Melissa Sconone got Hofstra on the board early in the contest to tie the game at one but Fairfield answered with four consecutive goals to open up a 5-1 lead with 12:44 left before halftime. The Pride was able to score three of the next five goals in the game to close the gap to three, 7-4, following a goal from Coletti but the Stags scored the final two goals of the half to lead 9-4 at the break. 

Elizabeth Talluto scored twice at the beginning of the third quarter to make it an 11-4 Fairfield lead but Hofstra clamped down on defense and exploded on offense to rally in the contest. Coletti would kick-start the 5-0 Hofstra run that included goals from Kerry Walser, Nikki Mennella (2), and Taylor Mennella that ultimately made it 11-9 with 2:12 to play. It was an incredible defensive effort for the Pride as they held Fairfield to zero goals from the 10:13 mark of the third quarter until 19 seconds remained in the game. Hofstra was unable to put the finishing touches on the rally as Fairfield controlled the play over the final two minutes after Taylor Mennella's goal made it a two-goal game with just over two minutes left. 

Luchianna Cardello made nine saves, including six in the second half, for Hofstra. Sconone and Taylor Mennella each added a goal and two assists for the Pride. Walser tallied a goal, six ground balls, two caused turnovers, and four draw controls in the game. Kate Fiola added two two ground balls and two caused turnovers. 

Talluto led Fairfield with four goals, while Libby Rowe posted five points on three goals and two assists. 

Hofstra is back in action on March 2 when it travels to Army West Point for a 12 p.m. contest. 

NOTES
- Hofstra is now 14-6 all-time against Fairfield. The Pride has won three of the last five meetings between the teams. 
- Walser's six ground balls marked a new career-high. She previously had four against Long Island in the season opener this year. 
- Christine Dannenfelser tied her season-high with two ground balls and established a new season-high with two caused turnovers in the game.