Opening Match Against Marist Sunday is a rugby day - and indeed it was.
In a tough match up against Marist University, Fairfield Women's Rugby held their own and brought the thunder. The match opened with a gorgeous kick from Molly Muller '27, which allowed for "Beast Mode" Grace Eberl '28 to capitalize and regain possession. Thanks to several successful offensive sequences, Fairfield was able to remain in their scoring territory for much of the first half. A strong drive from Hailey Fales '27 allowed scrumhalf Kate Robertson '26, to sneak past the defense and put Fairfield on the board. Muller scored the conversion, bringing the score to 7-0 Fairfield.
Unfortunately, while Fairfield's offense repeatedly broke the line, a lack of ruck support allowed Marist to counter. Captain Ava Hiel '26 led the defense with her explosiveness off the line, but Marist managed to punch through and tie up the score, 7-7.
Luckily, "Huck-splosion" Ava Hockman '27, was determined to strike back. Katie Quinn '26 put on some fancy footwork, dancing past the defenders. After a clean pass from Jill Koppy '28, Hockman was able to break free and charge down the sideline to score. With Muller's successful conversion, Fairfield brought the score to 14-7. With minutes left in the half, Marist found a gap and managed to even the score once more. It was a real nail-biter going into halftime.
In the second half, Marist came out determined, scoring two tries to extend their lead. But as the saying goes, it's not over till it's over. Strong rucking from Tia Stanton '26 allowed Fairfield to maintain possession. A forceful run from Olivia Draper '28 allowed Jacqueline O'Connor '27 to bulldoze through two defenders. With another conversion, the score stood at 19-26.
With four minutes remaining, Fairfield knew what had to be done. Captain Laura Garofalo '26 made waves up the middle, blasting through tackles. The forwards followed suit, with quick picks from Danielle Cannizarro '26 and Eberl battering Marist's defensive wall. On the very last play, Fairfield dug deep. Koppy squeezed through the defense to even the score, and Muller, cool as a cucumber, nailed the conversion.

Final score: Fairfield 26, Marist 26.