They have exceeded everyone’s expectations.
They stand undefeated in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
They have, perhaps, two of the best players in the league.
And on Thursday night at the Webster Bank Arena, they play a huge game against an arch-rival.
No, I’m not talking about the Fairfield men … I’m talking about the Fairfield women.
Coach Joe Frager’s team improved to 4-0 in MAAC play Monday night with a 52-48 win over Siena. Through 15 games, the Stags are a solid 11-4 and will now head into a Thursday showdown against six-time defending regular season and tournament champ, Marist, at the WBA.
The reason I mention this is this: that game is “Pack the House” night and if anyone deserves to play a big game against the league champion in front of a lot of fans, it’s this team. It’s a chance for the Stags to grab first-place alone and take a potential tie-breaker advantage over the Red Foxes (Marist is also 4-0 in MAAC play) with a win. With Rider, Canisius, Manhattan, Iona, Niagara with two conference losses, Fairfield could take a huge step toward winning its first regular season MAAC crown since the 1999-2000 season.
It’s also a chance to see senior guard Desiree Pina – a warrior if there ever was one and an all-MAAC preseason third team selection – and senior forward Taryn Johnson, a first-team preseason pick. Johnson is averaging a team-best 12.1 points with Pina right behind at 11.7.
It would be great to see at least 1,000 people at the game Thursday night, especially since tickets are buy one, get one free.
Show up and support the Fairfield women.
Here’s the blog about the game from the Fairfield website
January 12, 2012
Women’s Basketball vs. Marist @ 7pm (Webster Bank Arena)
NCAA Pack the House: Help the Stags pack the arena! The Stags will compete against the other MAAC schools for the best single game attendance. The NCAA grassroots initiative helps to grow women’s basketball players and fans, and increase attendance.
2 for 1Thursday: Fairfield fans will get two tickets for the price of one.
