MANCHESTER, N.H. (Sept. 8, 2019) – Powered by two goals from senior Natalia Elizarraras (Whittier, Calif./Los Altos), the Mercy College women's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over American International College on Sunday afternoon at Penmen Stadium.

The Mavericks (1-1) give Head Coach Danny Leon Jr. his first collegiate head coaching win, while the Yellow Jackets (1-1) suffer their first loss.

Elizarraras had two goals on a game-high four shots. Sophomore Anicia Reyes (San Diego, Calif./Santana) and senior Mackenzie Warner (Athens, Pa./Corning CC) dished out assists and junior Melissa Torres (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada) made three saves to earn the win.

American International received a goal from Josefine Stendahl and Tamra Zippin made three saves to take the loss.

Mercy recorded the first four shots of the game, but the Yellow Jackets scored first in the 12th minute of action when Stendahl scored to make it 1-0. The score remained 1-0 heading into halftime with Mercy holding an 11-5 edge in shots.

The Mavericks evened up the score in the 51st minute when Elizarraras found the back of the net off a Warner pass which tied the score up at 1-1.

Mercy continued to apply pressure and sophomore Fernanda Castro (San Diego, Calif./Bonita Vista) hit the crossbar in the 78th minute. The Mavericks scored again in the 81st minute when Elizarraras scored again following a pass from Reyes to put Mercy up 2-1.

The Yellow Jackets answered back with two shots on goal, but Torres was up to the challenge and stopped both to preserve the win for the Mavericks.

Mercy held a 17-10 edge in shots and a 7-4 edge in corner kicks.

Head Coach Danny Leon Jr. and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, September 11th when they host Adelphi at 12 p.m.