Marist Knocks Off Fairfield

With a loss to Marist, Fairfield has dropped out of their first place tie in the MAAC. Coming into the game tied with Marist and Iona, the loss drops them to second place and a game behind the Red Foxes in the standings.

For the third straight game, Fairfield fell behind by double-digits in the early goings of the game. Unlike the previous two games however, the Stags were not able to rally back for a chance to win. Up 37-21 at the half, Marist won the second half as well to defeat the Stags 74-52.

Depite losing the previous two games, Fairfield was able to keep the scores close by fighting back in the second halves of both games to lose by a combined five points in both contests.

However, Marist was just too tough of an opponent for the Stags to fall behind and try to catch up.

Coming into the game, Fairfield and Marist were tied for 1st place in the MAAC conference, both undefeated at 2-0.

Yet, from the beginning, Fairfield was unable to get anything going. They never held a lead and were behind by 10 or more points for the rest of the game once Marist went up 16-6.

The Stags, normally strong in the paint, were out rebounded and well as out scored down low. The Red Foxes pulled down 44 boards to Fairfield's 35.

Marist was also able to score 48 of their 74 points in the paint (59%) while Fairfield put in only 10. The Red Foxes also beat the Stags in points off turnovers, 22-9.

Fairfield turned the ball over 12 times in the first half alone, on the way to 19 for the game. The two main culprits were sophomores Baendu Lowenthal and Megan Caskin who each has six apiece.

In addition to these struggles, the Stags' three leading scorers were held to a combined 20 points for the game. They came into the game averaging 36.

These types of offensive struggles have plauged the Stags all season. When they are able to shoot the ball, Fairfield is tough to beat and one of the top teams in the conference. Yet, when their shots don't fall, they struggle to win games, even with their tough defense.

However, there were some bright spots despite these flaws.

Sophomore Lauren Groom was the team's leading scorer with 14 points off of 5 of 9 shooting in only 24 minutes. Stephanie Geehan '10 had 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds (team-high) in only 21 minutes of playing time.

Also, while a win would have announced Fairfield's return to MAAC promience, a loss to Marist will not set the Stags back too far. The Red Foxes are generally the top team and this year have a comparable record to the Stags in games against common opponents. One bad game does not determine an entire season, but still, the Stags are going to need to improve come tournament time.

The Stags now sit a 6-8 overall on the year and 2-1 in MAAC play. With the core of conference play ahead, the Stags cannot afford too many more losses if they expect to contend deep into the MAAC championships.

Next up for Fairfield is Loyola, playing down in Baltimore on Monday. Every MAAC game is important and this one is no different. However, the Stags will have some more breathing room in the conference if they can improve to 3-1 rather than 2-2.

-Chris Simmons