Fairfield University’s torrid start in the Tri State Conference Men’s DII competition has shot them to #13 in the nation, and it could be we will see them move further up, although it won’t be until later in October, when they face NJIT and Molloy.

It could be Fairfield, which has outscored opponents 134-24 in the first two games, will enter those big games undefeated.

“We feel great,” said Fairfield hooker Anif McDonald. “We’ve been working really hard and still do two-a-days three days a week, and I think our fitness has had a lot to do with it all.”

New coach Ben Kelly, along with assistant Mark Downes, has had a big influence on the team, and he has emphasized fitness. McDonald said Fairfield has finished the stronger in each half.

“I think it’s made a huge difference,” he added. “But at the same time we could be better. We made a lot of mistakes. Against Montclair State we were up and down. I think we’ve been on offense most of the time, so we need to prepare for teams that will put us on defense.”

McDonald has been important to Fairfield, but so have some other players, including Hunter Boesch and Evan Tuozzoli.

“What’s really exciting is that we’ve got a good B-side, and the future looks good,” said McDonald. “They’re young and have stuff to learn, but they’re working on their fitness, too, so we know in any game we can last longer than the other guy.”

Fairfield hosts 1-1 Hofstra Sunday

On Saturday in the Tri-State, it’s Vassar at Siena and Marist at RPI.

Sunday the game continue, with 2-0 Molloy at 2-0 NJIT, Long Island at Manhattanville, Montclair State (0-2) at 1-1 Sacred Heart, William Paterson at Seton Hall, and Union at New Paltz.