NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's lacrosse team (1-6, 0-1 MAAC) dropped its MAAC opening game to the visiting Marist Red Foxes (5-5, 2-0 MAAC) at a cold and blustery Niagara Field on Friday night.

Niagara opened the scoring before fans were able to sit down, as a nice pass from Leigh Downing found the stick of Rianne Farrugia, who cashed in for the early 1-0 advantage. Marist would utilize a 9-3 lead after the game's initial marker to take a 9-4 lead into the second half.

Marist went on a 5-1 run to start the second half, taking a 14-5 lead in the process. Niagara would respond by scoring four of the game's next six goals, including one of Lauren Bowen's career-high four goals and two from Farrugia. The Red Foxes would outscore Niagara 4-2 the rest of the way, with both Niagara goals coming from Bowen.

Bowen netted a team-high four goals and an assist for a team-high five points, while for the second consecutive game Farrugia notched a hat-trick.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Sunday at noon, when they host Fairfield.