Quinnipiac Looks to Continue Momentum Against Struggling Marist POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Quinnipiac women’s basketball team aims to carry the momentum from a dominant win into its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener when it visits the Marist Red Foxes on Sunday. The Bobcats (6-4) are coming off a 78-39 rout of Manhattan on Friday, a performance they hope signals a return to form after a 55-63 home loss to Maine on Dec. 14. Marist (3-7) has lost five of its last six, most recently a 58-69 defeat at Binghamton on Dec. 13. Quinnipiac’s success has been fueled by a balanced attack and the versatile play of forward Anna Foley. The standout is averaging 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 blocks over her last five games. She posted 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks in just 22 minutes against Manhattan. “When Anna is engaged on both ends, she changes the game for us,” Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri said. The Red Foxes will lean on guard Lexie Tarul, who has been a bright spot during a difficult stretch. She is averaging 13.2 points per game and erupted for a season-high 24 points in the loss at Binghamton. Marist will need a similar offensive outburst and improved defense to challenge the Bobcats. “We have to be tougher and more connected for 40 minutes,” Marist coach Erin Doughty said. “Quinnipiac is a disciplined team that makes you pay for mistakes.” Historically, games between these MAAC foes have been tightly contested. The teams will meet again in Hamden, Connecticut, on Jan. 17. Quinnipiac has shown potency on the road this season, with notable wins at Boston College and Cornell. Marist is 2-2 at home in the McCann Recreation Center, including an overtime victory over Lafayette. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 21.