FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Siena Women's Lacrosse team battled back on two occasions to lock the score even late in the first half and again in the closing seconds of the third quarter before Fairfield utilized a fourth-quarter flurry to get past Siena 11-7 on Saturday at Rafferty Stadium in the conference home opener.

The Saints struck first with a free position goal by Sara Curley at 9:08.

Fairfield responded with a free position goal by Tessa Caputo at 6:52, leveling the score.

The Stags then took control with Paige Gardner scoring at 1:38, assisted by Charlotte Loughlin, and Kelly Haggerty adding another goal with an assist from Haley Burns at 0:25.

Fairfield led 3–1 at the end of the quarter.

Koehler Nieman initiated the scoring for Siena in the second quarter with a goal at 14:22, leveling the game at 3–3.

The quarter featured significant defensive efforts, with multiple caused turnovers and fouls from both teams, but neither side managed to capitalize on several free position attempts.

Hailey Deptula scored with just 15 seconds remaining, assisted by Cass Belsito during a player-up situation, and tied the game at 3–3 heading into the break.

Fairfield started the third quarter strong with a player-up goal by Kyleigh Tufano at 14:28, assisted by Loughlin.

Tufano scored again at 12:43, this time assisted by Caputo, extending the Stags' lead. Sara Macleod added another goal at 11:33, prompting a Siena timeout.

Nieman responded for the Saints with a goal at 10:53, assisted by Cassidy Bonura. Elizabeth Wamp then capitalized on a player-up opportunity, scoring at 7:05 with an assist from Avery Connolly.

Olivia Nicholson closed the quarter with a goal with six seconds remaining, assisted by Deptula, tying the score at 6–6 by the end of the third quarter.

Fairfield took the lead for good early in the fourth quarter with a goal by Macleod, assisted by Caputo, at 12:50.

The Saints responded with a free-position goal from Bonura at 4:28, bringing the score to 10–7.

However, Fairfield maintained control, with Haggerty contributing two goals, including one assisted by Gardner and another unassisted, while Caputo added a goal assisted by Haggerty.

Despite a late yellow card on the Stags' Sophia Colasacco, Siena couldn't capitalize, and the quarter concluded with Fairfield leading 11–7.

The Saints dropped to 5–4 overall and 0–1 in conference play.

The Stags improved to 6–3 overall and 1–0 in conference play.

Siena returns home to host Merrimack (3-7, 0-1 MAAC) on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Hickey Field.