The #16/20 Fairfield University men’s lacrosse team fell from the ranks of the undefeated on Tuesday, dropping a 9-8 decision at #14/16 Bucknell University.  The Stags fall to 3-1, while the Bison improve to 4-1.

The Bison controlled the first half, taking a 3-0 lead, and out shooting the Stags 9-2.  Fairfield responded in the second quarter, with a pair of quick goals, to get within one.  The Bison responded with another three-goal onslaught, the last coming with 12 seconds in the half, for a 6-2 lead.  Chris Ajemian netted the Stags third goal with no time on the clock.

Bucknell scored two goals in the first five minutes of the third quarter to build an 8-3 lead.  The Stags rallied at that point as Travis Nelson netted goals at 10:06 and 9:23 to start a four-goal run.  Kevin Peters scored at the 9:17 mark and Doug Kuring got the Stags within a goal, 8-7, with 4:52 to play in the third quarter.  The teams traded goals in the fourth quarter, but Fairfield was unable to get the equalizer.

Ajemian and Nelson each put two goals in the back of the net, and had an assist, to finish with three points.  Peters netted a pair of goals, while Brendan Finnerty and Kuring each had one goal, with Ryan Mulford adding an assist.

Joe Marra took the loss in net, allowing all nine goals.  He played 56 minutes, with 11 saves, while Jeff Cilente minded the net for the final four minutes of the game, but did not face a shot.

The Stags won 12-19 face-offs in the win, the third time this year they have won a majority.  Rob Simeti was 7-8 in the face-offs that he contested.  The Stags struggled clearing the ball again, 12-21, while the Bison were good on 19-20.

For the second straight game the Stags were out shot, 39-20, for the game.  Fairfield netted three goals on just three shots in the second quarter of play.  The Bison picked up more ground balls, 22-17 in the game.

Nick Scuibba earned the win in net for the Bison, making six saves, with five in the final quarter of play.  Austin Winter had three points, with a goal and two assists to lead the team offensively.

The Stags are back in action on Saturday, as they complete a three-game road trip, with a 1 p.m. contest at Harvard.