The Fairfield University women's basketball team suffered its first setback of the year, falling 51-45 to Big East Conference host Villanova.  The loss drops the Stags to 5-1 on the year, while the Wildcats improve to 5-1.

The Stags trailed at halftime for the first time this season, 21-20, despite opening the game with a 7-0 run, taking their largest lead of the game, 2:43 into the game.  Villanova battled back, tying the game 14-14 at the 6:32 mark and taking their first lead, 15-14, 67 seconds later.  The teams exchanged the lead over the final minutes of the half, with the Wildcats taking the advantage into the intermission.

The two teams exchanged baskets over the first 71 seconds of the second half, and the Stags opened the half with an 8-2 run, taking a 28-23 lead 2:30 into the half.  Fairfield maintained a lead until the 11:07 mark, until a three pointer by Maria Getty gave the Wildcats a 34-32 lead.  Fairfield would tie the contests 36-36 on a conventional three-point play by Tara Flaherty with 7:50 to play in the game.

The Wildcats scored 16 seconds later to take the lead for good.  The run would continue over a six minute span as Villanova opened the largest lead of the game 47-37 with 1:35 to play.  The Stags press helped Fairfield back to within five points, 50-45 in the closing seconds, but they would get no closer.

Fairfield was led by the 14-point, 8-rebound effort of Baendu Lowenthal.  She was the only player in double-figures for the Stags, who received a nine-point, six-rebound game from Stephanie Geehan.  Fairfield shot 37.7 percent from the field for the game and out rebounded the Wildcats 41-30. 

Villanova was led by the double-double of Laura Kurz, who finished with game-highs in points, 25, and rebounds, 10.  Lisa Karcic scored 12 points for the host, who shot 36 percent from the floor. Villanova committed only eight turnovers, while forcing 16 from the Stags.

Fairfield returns to action on Sunday, December 2, when it hosts Maine at Alumni Hall at 2 p.m.