COLCHESTER, Vt. — Powered by a game-high two goals from junior Alyssa Benvengo (East Islip, N.Y./Molloy University) and graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team earned a 5-0 win at NE10 foe Saint Michael's College on Saturday afternoon at Duffy Field.
The Mavericks (4-8, 3-4 NE10) snap a three-game losing streak and match their NE10 win total from last year. Mercy defeats the Purple Knights (0-12, 0-6 NE10) for the fourth straight time. The five-goal margin of victory is the largest for Mercy over Saint Michael's in program history.
Mercy opened the first quarter with strong offensive momentum, taking an early lead when Benvengo scored the first goal at 7:13, assisted by sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse). Despite multiple attempts from Saint Michael's, including a series of shots saved by sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North), Mercy's defense held firm. Evans extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal at 9:52, assisted by junior Kate Lynne Conklin (Greenvale, N.Y./Franklin Pierce University). The quarter concluded with Mercy maintaining their 2-0 advantage over the Purple Knights.
Evans extended Mercy's lead early in the second quarter with a goal at the 19:11 mark, increasing the score to 3-0. The team maintained pressure with multiple shots on goal, including attempts by sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) and Brefka, but Saint Michael's goalkeeper, Joelle Cameron, stood firm with several saves. Despite Saint Michael's efforts, including a shot by Ruby Harrington that went wide and a save by McClure, Mercy's defense held strong. Mercy continued to control the tempo with sustained offensive pressure, exemplified by senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades) setting up penalty corners. The quarter concluded with Mercy maintaining their 3-0 advantage, successfully keeping the Purple Knights scoreless.
The third quarter commenced with a strong defensive stand by Mercy. Sabert capitalized on the momentum, scoring with an assist from Evans at 36:33, extending the lead to 4-0. Despite several penalty corners and blocked shots by the Purple Knights, Mercy maintained their defensive posture, with senior Rebecca McClure (Canastota, N.Y./Pace University) making a crucial save against Sam DeGeorge's shot. The quarter concluded with Mercy holding a 4-0 advantage, solidifying their commanding position in the game.
Mercy held steady defense at the start of the fourth quarter, thwarting Saint Michael's offensive attempts, including a blocked shot by Harrington. Sabert countered with a shot on goal for Mercy, but it was saved by Cameron. Evans nearly extended the lead with a shot that hit the post at 57:56. Benvengo sealed the quarter with a goal at 59:23, bringing the score to 5-0. Mercy maintained the lead as the quarter concluded, securing a decisive victory over the Purple Knights.
Benvengo led the team with two goals on two shots, including the game-winning goal. Evans contributed significantly by scoring two goals and providing one assist, with four of her five shots on target. Sabert added to the offensive effort with one goal from six shots, five of which were on goal. Brefka and Conklin both had assists and Kaylise McClure made five saves in the first half to earn the win. Rebecca McClure made one save in the second half.
Harrington led the Purple Knights with six total shots, though none found the target. Cameron stood strong in goal, recording eight saves despite conceding five goals. Grace Nigolian contributed defensively with one defensive save, while also taking three shots, one of which was on goal.
Mercy held an 18-16 edge in shots and a 14-6 edge in shots on goal. Saint Michael's held a 13-3 edge in penalty corners.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host Southern Connecticut State University on October 14, with the game set for 2 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
