MANCHESTER, N.H. (Nov. 25, 2018) – Despite a team-high 19 points from freshman Taysha Bender (Glen Burnie, Md./Archbishop Spalding), the Mercy College women's basketball team dropped a 96-41 decision to Saint Anselm College on Sunday afternoon at Stoutenburgh Gym.

The Mavericks (2-3) fall below .500 on the year, while the Hawks (5-1) have won five of their first six games.

Bender went 10-of-14 from the foul line and had three rebounds. Sophomore Amber Brown (South Brunswick, N.J./South Brunswick) added 14 points and seven rebounds.

Saint Anselm was led by Shannon Ryan who finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hawks opened the game on a 10-0 run and would hold a 29-11 lead after one quarter.

Saint Anselm outscored the Mavericks 15-3 in the second quarter and headed into halftime with a 44-14 lead.

The hosts started the third quarter on a 14-0 run and outscored Mercy 32-13 in the frame to take a 76-27 lead after three quarters.

The Hawks held a 20-14 edge in scoring in the fourth quarter on their way to the victory.

Mercy shot 24.1 percent (13-of-54) from the field, 27.3 percent (3-of-11) from downtown and 75.0 percent (12-of-16) from the foul line. Saint Anselm shot 51.3 percent (39-of-76) from the floor, 40.0 percent (8-of-20) from long distance and 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from the charity stripe. Saint Anselm held a 54-28 edge on the boards.

Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, November 28th when they host Felician in their home opener at 5 p.m.