For the first time since the 2002 season the Fairfield University women's lacrosse team earned a victory in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament, defeating fourth-seed and host Iona College, 11-8.  The win is the 17^th consecutive for the Stags, as they improve to 17-1 on the year.

Iona used a controlled offensive attack in the first half to build a 5-4 lead at the break, and scored first in the second half, to take a two-goal advantage, 6-4 with 27:47 to play in the game.  MAAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year Kristen Coleman would net the next two goals of the game, to bring Fairfield back to a 6-6 tie with 24:36 to play.  The Gaels would take their final lead of the game on a Jaclyn O'Leary tally with 23:38 to play.

From that point, Fairfield would out score Iona 5-1 to earn the victory.  Coleman tied the score, 7-7, with a free position shot with 21:11 to play.  She then fed Abbey Goodwin for the go-ahead goal at the 18:17 mark.  Alyssa Vecchione scored her first goal of the season, with a free position tally at the 15:09 mark.  Erin Rigby would provide the game-winning goal 5:30 later with an unassisted tally.  Coleman wrapped up the Stags scoring with 7:03 to play.  Iona would score last with 3:29 to play, but could get no closer.

Lauren Chatnik earned her 17^th win of the season in net for the Stags, as she made 13 saves, including six in the second half, allowing only three goals.  Colleen Magri made seven saves in net for the Gaels, all in the first half, while allowing 11 goals.

Coleman finished the game with six points, including five goals, to lead all scorers.  She was 3-4 in free position shots on the day, while causing a turnovers and recording two ground balls.  Rigby finished with three goals and a pair of draw controls.

The Stags were 6-12 in free position shots in the game and were good on 19-21 clear attempts.

Fairfield, the top-seed in the tournament, advances to the MAAC Final to take on second-seeded Marist at noon on Sunday.  The Stags defeated Marist 11-10 in overtime in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. in the regular season.  Fans can watch the game on-line through various means by visiting www.maacsports.com.