POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The Rider University women's lacrosse team was defeated in its start to MAAC play Saturday, falling at Marist, 10-8. The Broncs fall to 1-9 on the season, while the Red Foxes improve to 2-7 in what was the MAAC opener for both teams.
 
Maggie Hance (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) got the Broncs on the board first, scoring just under three minutes into the game. After Marist quickly tied it, Brynn Merklinger (Mendham, NJ/Mount Saint Mary Academy) scored with four and a half minutes remaining in the opening quarter, and the score held up through the remainder of the period.
 
Marist scored early in the second to tie the game, then the Broncs caught fire, going on a 6-0 run to close out the half. Marissa Ross (Reisterstown, MD/Beth Tfiloh[FDU-Florham]) got the run started, then Hance scored her second of the game. Madi Mooney (Vista, CA/San Marcos) and Madi Eollo (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) each scored to before Hannah Kozik (Ellington, CT/Ellington) capped the run with a pair of goals to make it 8-2 at the break.
 
The second half was all Marist. The Red Foxes outscored the Broncs 4-0 in both the third and fourth quarters, coming from behind to stun the Broncs.
 
Quotes & Notes
- Marist takes a 2-1 lead in the all-time series.
- Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) got the start in net, playing all 60 minutes and making 13 saves, taking the loss.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Marist outshot Rider 32-24, including a 22-12 edge in shots on goal.
- The Red Foxes held a 12-8 edge in draw controls. Ross led the Broncs with six draw controls.
- Kubach led Rider with four ground balls. Marybeth Smith (Macungie, PA/Emmaus[La Salle]) and Ila Chenet (Longwood, FL/Lake Brantley) each added three.
- Smith added a team-best two caused turnovers.
 
Up Next
Rider returns home Wednesday, when the Broncs host Manhattan at 3 p.m.