The Quinnipiac women’s basketball team kicked off their weekend series on Friday, beating Fairfield 67-55 at the People’s United Center.

It was a battle for second in the MAAC standings between the Bobcats and Stags, but Quinnipiac back-doored their way into the second-place spot, forcing Fairfield to fall to third.

The last time these two teams matched up, the Bobcats lost. And after their record this season, head coach Tricia Fabbri knew that it was going to be a challenge — and indeed it was.

The Bobcats had a hard time getting into a groove offensively in the first quarter as they shot just 23% from the field, unable to really get plays going for themselves.

Things were a little tit-for-tat, but the Stags took the lead into the second quarter.

Reigning MAAC Player of the Week Mackenzie DeWees (17 points, 12 rebounds), heated up for the Bobcats in the second quarter, locking things down on defense and bringing in three steals in that quarter alone.

She attributed her impressive defense to former teammate, Edel Thornton.

“I really learned from the best,” DeWees said. “I learned a lot from her and her feistiness, her work ethic, her determination and I really credit her. She created me into the defensive person that I am.”

The Bobcats’ defense allowed them to hold the Stags to single digits in the second quarter.

The momentum continued for the Bobcats in the second half with Rose Caverly (18 points, 7 assists) shooting 66% from the three-point line. Caverly hit back-back three-pointers in the third quarter and in the fourth.

As the Bobcats went into the fourth quarter with the lead, the dynamic duo of DeWees and Mikala Morris (19 points, 9 rebounds) shook things up with their back-door cuts, sneaking in, and taking the victory over the Stags.

These teams will be back on the court Saturday for game two of the series.