VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania – The Red Foxes opened Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play with a 9-6 win over the Villanova University Wildcats on Saturday morning. Marist now stands at 7-14 (1-0 MAAC) while Villanova drops to 10-12 (0-1 MAAC).

Junior Jocelyn McQuade led the Red Foxes with three goals and three steals. Sophomore Diana Carballo scored two goals to go along with two steals in a tremendous defensive effort and freshman Katie Tijerina notched two goals, two assists and two steals.

Senior Skyler Henry finished with six goals against and ten saves.

The Wildcats grabbed the lead after the first quarter. Senior Brooke Else scored for Marist.

The Red Foxes grabbed three goals in the second period off goals by freshman Susan Cantoni and Carballo (2). Villanova found the back of the net twice and the two teams headed into halftime tied 4-4.

Coming out of the half, Marist grabbed the lead for the first time in the match when Tijerina and McQuade found the back of the net. The Wildcats scored once in the period and with eight minutes left in the match the Red Foxes were ahead 6-5.

Marist added to their lead with three goals by Tijerina and McQuade (2) in the fourth quarter. Villanova tried to answer back but a strong Red Fox defense held them to only one goal and Marist emerged victorious 9-6.

Up next for the Red Foxes is a MAAC contest vs. Iona College at 2:30 PM.