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.
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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. Â
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Grace Slater and Kelly Haggerty each added hat tricks for an efficient Fairfield offense which registered their 16 goals on 28 shots.
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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).
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