Nov. 29, 2004

Final Stats

Poughkeepsie, NY - For the fourth straight season, the Marist women's basketball team has won its home opener after picking up a 52-34 win over New Hampshire tonight at the McCann Center. The Red Foxes' defense was stifling once again as it held the Wildcats to just 19.3% shooting from the field. Senior Kristin Keller paced the Foxes with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal.

New Hampshire struck first with a jumper from Lindsay Adams a minute into the game, but the Red Foxes picked up the pace and went on a 14-0 run to take a 16-2 lead with under 10:00 remaining in the half. Back-to-back baskets from Ashley Cernigilia pulled the Wildcats back within nine at the 6:07 mark. Both teams traded missed buckets and turnovers in the closing minutes of the half and the Foxes took a 20-13 lead into the break.

The Red Foxes picked up the offensive pace in the second half, starting off with a 14-2 run in the first five minutes. New Hampshire's tough press forced several Marist turnovers late in the game, but the Foxes' own defensive pressure was too much for the Wildcats to overcome. Ray Williams solid rebounding kept her team going, but New Hampshire could not build an offensive rhythm, coming only as close as 13 points with under 5:00 remaining. The Foxes shot a much improved 50% from the field in the second half, as they added 32 points to their tally.

Keller's six rebounds and six assists led the Red Foxes, as did her two blocks. Junior Fifi Camara led all scorers with 14 points while picking up five boards and one steal. Sophomore Megan Vetter had another solid night, tallying five rebounds, six points and two assists in 21 minutes of action. Overall 10 different Red Foxes had at least one rebound while nine had at least two points.

New Hampshire's Williams led all rebounders with 13 on the night, while Danielle Clark led her team with nine points.

The Lady Red Foxes will be in action again on Friday when they host MAAC rival Siena in their conference opener. Prior to the 7:30 p.m. tip-off, the members of the 2003-04 MAAC Championship team will receive their NCAA Tournament rings and the Championship banners will be unveiled.