April 28, 2006
The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team fell 16-12 to second-seeded Canisius College in the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament at Mazzella Field on the campus of Iona College. The Stags finish the 2006 campaign at 7-10 overall, while the Griffs advance to the tournament final and improve to 12-6.
Trailing 16-7 at the 21:57 mark, the Stags mounted a rally, scoring three goals in 43 seconds to cut the deficit to 16-10 with 6:48 to play in the game. Lara Hannigan, Sarah Masterson and Abbey Goodwin netted the goals for Fairfield.
Canisius won the ensuing draw and worked three minutes off of the clock. The Stags scored again with 2:52 to play, on a Mary Vallely goal, to make the score 16-11. After winning the draw Beth Loffredo's shot was deflected high by the Canisius goalkeeper. Loffredo continued the run with a free position goal at 1:48, to get to 16-12, but Fairfield could get no closer.
Loffredo netted four goals and had an assist in the game. She finishes her career as the all-time Fairfield points leader, 180, and all-time goals scorer, 140. Loffredo also picked up eight ground balls in the contest.
MAAC Rookie of the Year Abbey Goodwin also netted five points on the game, with four goals and an assist. Masterson had two goals and three assists in the effort.
Lauren Chatnik played the entire 60:00 in goal for the Stags, making 17 saves. Canisius goalkeeper Rasheeda Brenton played well in earning the win. She allowed 12 goals, while making 16 saves.
The Stags trailed 10-3 at the intermission, but made a quick dent in the deficit, with two goals, both from Goodwin, in the first 24 seconds of the second half.
