EMMITSBURG, MD – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Amanda Kozak scored eight points to lead second-seeded Fairfield past No. 3 seed Siena Women's Lacrosse 16-12 in the MAAC Semifinals at Waldron Family Stadium.
Kozak dished out five goals and three assists for MAAC Co-Regular Season Champion Fairfield (10-7), which advances to its eight straight title game. The Stags will take on fourth-seeded Iona, who upset top-seed and Tournament host Mount St. Mary's 11-10, Sunday at 11 a.m. in the MAAC Final.
Senior
Sarah Irish led the way with a career-high four points in her final collegiate game for Siena (9-9), which saw its seven-game win streak snapped at the site of its last loss on Mar. 29 against Mount.
Cassidy Bonura added a hat trick of her own to go along with four draw controls for the Saints, who have now dropped all seven all-time postseason meetings against Fairfield.
Siena jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead midway through the first quarter, before the Stags responded with seven unanswered to claim a commanding 8-3 advantage late in the first half.
But the resilient Saints would not go down without a fight. Siena got a pair back late to make it a 9-5 game at the half, and ultimately went on a 6-2 run overall to rally all the way back within a goal at 10-9 with 8:20 remaining in the third quarter.
However, after scoring six goals spanning just 9:33 bridging the second and third quarters, the Fairfield defense clamped down on Siena down the stretch. The Stags held the Saints scoreless for the ensuing 17:33 while reeling off six unanswered goals to seal it.
Grace Slater and Kelly Haggerty each added hat tricks for an efficient Fairfield offense which registered their 16 goals on 28 shots.
Grace Dobrzynski (two assists) and
Kelly Logue (two goals, one assist) were both later named to the MAAC All-Tournament Team after putting a bow on outstanding careers to headline an impactful six-member senior class. Dobrzynski graduates as the Saints all-time career leader in both points (256) and assists (174), while Logue finishes fourth all-time in scoring (188).
