Feb. 21, 2010

Final Stats

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist started the game on a 14-2 run and overwhelmed Siena 71-52 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game Sunday afternoon in Poughkeepsie. Marist honored its senior class before the game which was highlighted by the school announcing it would retire Rachele Fitz's jersey. The Red Foxes seemed to use the pre-game festivities as fuel as they led the entire game and by double digits the final 34 minutes.

Marist has defeated Siena 12 straight times.

"It was a poor defensive effort," Head Coach Gina Castelli said. "We need to learn from this game and then put it behind us as we get ready for next weekend."

Marist (22-6, 14-2) built a 16-4 lead in the first six minutes by scoring on eight straight possessions. The Red Foxes shot 57.1% (16-28) from the field in the first half and 52.1% (25-48) in the game. Fitz led all players with 20 points and Erica Allenspach added 19.

Siena (9-16, 7-9) struggled shooting the ball - 26.1% in the first half and 27.9% in the game. After making 42.2% from beyond the arc in its four-game homestand, the Saints shot 19% (4-21) from 3 today.

The Saints dominated Marist on the glass in the second half, out-rebounding them 23-17 and 15-3 on the offensive end. Siena converted those into 13 second chance points. Siena's pressure was also effective in the second half, causing 10 turnovers and limiting the sharp-shooting Red Foxes to 31 points.

Freshman forward Lily Grenci matched her career-high with 14 points in 22 minutes off the bench. She made 5-of-6 field goals and had two rebounds and one steal.

The Saints return to action on Friday when they play Rider in Lawrenceville, N.J. The game is part of a women's/men's doubleheader on ESPNU. Tip is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.