DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a game-high six saves from sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 1-0 decision to NE10 foe Southern Connecticut State University on Tuesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (4-9, 3-5 NE10) drop both meetings to the Owls (7-6, 4-3 NE10) this season.
McClure was instrumental in maintaining a scoreless opening quarter, registering saves against early attempts from Southern Conn. St.'s Isabella Folster and Taylor Leckey. Despite consistent efforts from the Owls, McClure's performance in goal ensured no breakthrough was made.
Southern Conn. St. earned two penalty corners but were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. The quarter concluded with the score locked at 0-0, thanks to Mercy's defensive resilience.
Southern Conn. St. capitalized on a penalty corner early in the second quarter, with Lindsey Onofrio scoring at the 18:07 mark. The goal was assisted by Leckey. Mercy's defense, led by McClure, responded with a key save against another shot from Onofrio at 21:46.
The Mavericks were unable to find the back of the net before the quarter ended. The quarter closed with Southern Conn. St. maintaining a 1-0 lead.
Mercy initiated strong offensive pressure in the third quarter, marked by multiple penalty corners executed by senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades), the first occurring just over a minute in. Graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota) and sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse) both managed to take shots, with Rachel Miller making crucial saves for Southern Conn. St., and Leckey contributing a defensive save.
Despite several attempts, including shots from sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland), Mercy was unable to capitalize on the opportunities. Southern Conn. St.'s defense held firm, maintaining their lead. As the quarter concluded, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Southern Conn. St.
The fourth quarter commenced with Sabert taking an early shot at 46:48, which was saved by Miller. McClure made critical saves, including a stop against Leckey's attempt at 48:39 and another from Keana Criscuolo at 58:58, keeping the scoreline unchanged.
Southern Conn. St. applied pressure through multiple penalty corners, but Mercy's defense held firm. As the game concluded, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Southern Conn. St., with Mercy unable to find an equalizer.
Sabert led the offensive efforts with four shots, two of which were on target. McClure was a standout in goal, recording six saves over the match. Brefka contributed with two shots, placing one on goal. Evans added pressure with a shot on goal from her single attempt.
Onofrio scored the game-winning goal, while playing a crucial role in securing the victory. Leckey contributed with an assist and registered three shots, two of which were on target. Miller maintained a clean sheet, saving all three shots she faced over 60 minutes to record a shutout.
Southern Conn. St. held a 9-7 edge in shots, a 7-4 edge in shots on goal and a 7-4 edge in penalty corners.
In their next game, Mercy will face Southern New Hampshire University at home. The match is set for October 18 at 11 a.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
