DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by senior Ancksu Dixon (Freeport, N.Y./Freeport) setting the school record for career goals, the No. 20 Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a 6-3 win over Holy Family University on Wednesday afternoon in an "It's On Us" Awareness Game at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (7-0-1) continue their best start in program history and defeat the Tigers (0-5-3) for the third straight time.
The first half began with both teams establishing their presence, but Holy Family took an early lead with a goal by Bridget Dickson in the eighth minute, assisted by Gigi Conlan. Mercy responded in the 16th minute, equalizing the score with a goal from junior Ella Gallino (Middlebury, Conn./Pomperaug), assisted by Dixon. Mercy continued their offensive momentum, with sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur) scoring in the 19th minute to put them ahead. Dixon extended Mercy's lead to 3-1 in the 33rd minute, assisted by junior Sarah Lill Hanks (Skedsmokorset, Norway/High Point University). Freshman Gracie DiPalo (Manorville, N.Y./Eastport South Manor) added another goal for Mercy in the 38th minute with an assist from Metzger, bringing the score to 4-1. Holy Family narrowed the gap just before halftime with a goal by Gianna Georgette in the 45th minute, assisted by Bella Scurci and Jessica Wojnar, ending the half with Mercy leading 4-2.
The second half saw a flurry of action as Mercy and Holy Family traded goals early. Holy Family's Dickson scored in the 50th minute, assisted by Georgette, closing the gap to one. Mercy responded swiftly, with Metzger finding the back of the net just 16 seconds later, assisted by Dixon, to extend their lead to 5-3. Mercy continued to press with multiple shots on target, but it wasn't until the 83rd minute that freshman Casey Szczotka (Mattituck, N.Y./Mattituck) secured the victory with a goal, again assisted by Dixon, bringing the final score to 6-3 in favor of the Mavericks.
DiPalo scored the game-winning goal and tallied four shots, two of which were on goal. Metzger contributed significantly with two goals and one assist, finishing with seven shots, five on target. Dixon added a goal and three assists, recording four shots, three of which were on goal. Dixon now has 35 career goals, surpassing the previous record of 34 set by Haley Noble in 2018. Dixon now holds the school record in goals, assists, and points. Gallino recorded her second goal of the year, and Szczotka added her first collegiate goal. Freshman Camila Salvador (Santiago, Chile/Santiago College) led the team in shot attempts with eight, three of which were on goal. Sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) played in the first half and made one save to earn the win. Freshman Peighton McKenna (Islip, N.Y./Islip) made one save in the second half to preserve the win.
Georgette contributed significantly to Holy Family with one goal and one assist, making the most of her solitary shot, which was on target. Dickson was a key offensive player, scoring two goals from two shots, both on goal. On the defensive end, Hannah LaBadie stood out in goal, recording 14 saves despite facing 33 shots. Her performance was spread across both halves, with five saves in the first and nine in the second.
Mercy held a 33-7 edge in shots, a 20-5 edge in shots on goal and a 6-1 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will travel to Manchester, N.H., to take on Saint Anselm College on October 4. The game is set to begin at noon as the Mavericks look to secure a crucial away victory.
