The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team was defeated by Fairfield, 13-9, in their season opener on Feb. 9. Keely Connors tallied four goals in the game, while Bryn Carroll and Audrey Mandaro each had two goals. The Crusaders move to 0-1 and the Stags improve to 1-0. The first half was low scoring as the first goal came nearly six minutes into the game and was 2-2 after the midway point of the half. Fairfield struck first, but the Crusaders battle back as Carroll and Connors each tallied their firsts of the season. Fairfield jumped to a 5-2 lead with 6:34 left in the opening half. Jolie Creo scored her first collegiate goal at the 4:36 mark on a free position shot and to close the half, 5-3. With her first start, Sophie Ochs played to an impressive 10-save first half. Holy Cross opened the second half with a spurt of offense that pushed the team within one goal, 6-5, but Fairfield went on a four goal run to extend their lead to 10-6. Connors tallied a hat trick, scoring her third goal at 11:38 of the second half. Jordyn Arakelian recorded her first collegiate point as she fed Mandaro on her second of the day to make the game, 10-7. While the Stags maintained their lead through the end of the game, the Crusaders flashed some offense at the close of regulation. Connors and Carroll both tallied goals in the final five minutes to finish the game, 13-9.