POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist used a big first half to defeat Niagara 18-9. The Red Foxes saw big days from Lauren Mazza and Samantha Mehalick who scored six and five goals. Marist improves to 9-5 overall and 5-1 in MAAC play.
 
With the win, the Red Foxes clinch a spot in the MAAC Tournament for the seventh consecutive year.
 
SUMMARY
Mehalick scored less than a minute in to start the game. Camille Renaud won the following draw control and took advantage of a free position attempt seconds later to take a 2-0 lead. Minutes later, Niagara's Rachel MacCheyne would score on an eight meter shot of her own to cut into Marist's lead.
 
The Purple Hawks kept it close over the next several minutes. Morgan Jaycox's goal with 17:44 left in half sparked a 10-1 run for the Red Foxes. Mehalick scored three consecuative goals for the Red Foxes while Mazza followed up with three of her own. Marist closed the half with a commanding 15-4 lead.
 
The Red Foxes' offense cooled down in the second half. Niagara was able to find some offensive rhythm late in the second half but could not overcome Marist's huge first half.
 
STATS

• Morgan Jaycox had three goals on the day. Renaud and Kelly George added two goals each.
• Marist had one of its more aggressive days on offense, out shooting Niagara 40 to 29.
• Hailey Wagner nabbed a team high 12 draw controls.
• The Red Foxes played good defense on eight meter shots, holding the Purple Eagles to 2-for-7.

 
NOTES

• Mazza's six goals is a new career high.
• Mehalick is tied for fifth in single season goals with 49. She also moves into tenth all time with 90.
• Marist is now in sole possession of second place in the MAAC.

 
UP NEXT
The Red Foxes host Iona in their final home game for the regular season. Before the game, they will honor seniors Stefanie Wenz, Lauren Mazza and Morgan Jaycox.