The Quinnipiac Bobcats (2-14, 0-4 MAAC) took on the top team in the conference in the Marist Red Foxes (14-2 6-0 MAAC) and lost 3-0. This matchup featured the top MAAC team and the Bobcats, who sit at the bottom of the MAAC. The Red Foxes are one of the toughest opponents on the schedule for the Bobcats.
The Bobcats, a very young team of mostly freshmen and sophomores, have struggled to find their way this season. After dropping 11 straight matches, the Bobcats had a 3-2 comeback win against Fairleigh Dickinson on Sept. 24 before losing their last three matches.
The Bobcats played the Red Foxes tough throughout the match, but Marist’s veteran lineup was just too much to handle for the young Bobcats’ team.
In the first set, the Bobcats, led by senior Tanner Celestine, went back and forth with the Red Foxes. The Bobcats only trailed by two midway through the set, but the Red Foxes would pull away winning 25-14 behind great play by Mackenzie Stephens.
Stephens totaled nine kills and three blocks in the match. She also posted a staggering 46% kill percentage.
In the second set, strong play by Celestine and fellow senior Tierra Allen kept the Bobcats in the game, but the Red Foxes developed a solid lead and held on to win 25-20.
In the third set, both teams continued to play each other tough. The Bobcats and the Red Foxes went back and forth for the entire set.
Freshman Elizabeth Kloos played very well for the Bobcats as they continued to answer against the veteran leadership of the Red Foxes. Neither team could get an edge, as the set was tied 13-13.
Momentum began to shift as the Bobcats took a 19-16 lead, late in the third set, forcing a Marist timeout.
The Red Foxes needed to find an answer for the surging Bobcats, who have struggled with consistency dating back to last season.
The Red Foxes found their answer in their veteran star power. Kelsey Lahey and Stephens went on a late run to come back and tie the set up. After a few errors and kills by Lahey, the Red Foxes won the third and final set 25-21, defeating the Bobcats 3-0.
Lahey finished with a game high 12 kills on the day.
Celestine led the Bobcats with seven kills. Kloos totaled 5 total blocks.
Overall, the Red Foxes dominated nearly every statistical category, out-killing the Bobcats 43-27. They outhit the Bobcats 33% to 15%.
With the loss, the Bobcats fall to 2-14 and 0-4 in MAAC play. The Red Foxes continue their strong season, advancing to 14-2 overall and 6-0 in the MAAC.
The Bobcats look to bounce back Sunday in another home match against 5-10 Siena.
