SPARKILL, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from senior Ancksu Dixon (Freeport, N.Y./Freeport), the No. 16 Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a 3-1 win at ECC foe St. Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday afternoon at Spartan Field.
The Mavericks (11-1-2, 3-0-2 ECC) remain unbeaten in ECC play and improve to 15-0-3 in their last 18 meetings against the Spartans (1-9-3, 1-4-1 ECC). Mercy now has their most wins since 2022 and has secured their 12th straight ECC Championship berth.
The match began with Mercy applying early pressure on the Spartans, marked by an initial shot from junior Sarah Lill Hanks (Skedsmokorset, Norway/High Point University) in the opening seconds, saved by Catalena Robson. Mercy's persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Dixon scored, assisted by senior Emma Best (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), putting the Mavericks ahead 1-0. Despite several attempts from both sides, including a shot that hit the crossbar by Audrey Fenninger in the 27th minute for the Spartans, the score remained unchanged through the first half. Dixon was active throughout, testing Robson multiple times, while the Spartans struggled to capitalize on their limited opportunities.
Mercy extended their lead early in the second half with a goal from sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur) in the 49th minute, assisted by freshman Camila Salvador (Santiago, Chile/Santiago College) and senior Ella Brower (Huntington Station, N.Y./The College of Saint Rose). Dixon added to the tally with a strike in the 65th minute, assisted by Metzger, bringing the score to 3-0. The Spartans responded in the 81st minute when Sarai Rodriguez found the back of the net, assisted by Amelia Hammond, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Mercy maintained control throughout the remainder of the match, with sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) making several key saves, including a late stop in the 87th minute to secure the victory.
Metzger scored a goal and added an assist, with all three of her shots on target, including the game-winner. Dixon tallied two goals and led the team with seven shots, six of which were on goal. Dixon recorded her 100th career point and now has 102 points for her career. Dixon becomes the first Maverick in program history to record 100 career points. Salvador contributed an assist and recorded one shot. Becker finished with four saves while allowing only one goal in the full 90 minutes. Best and Brower both added assists.
Rodriguez scored the only goal for the Spartans with one shot on goal in the match. Hammond contributed an assist, marking her presence in the team's offensive play. Robson made 13 saves, including nine in the first half, to keep the team competitive throughout the match.
Mercy held a 26-13 edge in shots, a 16-5 edge in shots on goal and a 12-2 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host the College of Staten Island on Saturday, October 25, at 2 p.m. for Senior Day. The match will take place in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
