MANCHESTER, N.H. — Despite a combined 17 saves from sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) and senior Rebecca McClure (Canastota, N.Y./Pace University), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped an 8-0 decision to defending National Champion No. 9 Saint Anselm in an NE10 matchup on Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium.
The Mavericks (4-11, 3-7 ECC) have dropped three games in a row and fall to the Hawks (12-5, 9-2 NE10) for the 11th straight time.
The first quarter began with Saint Anselm applying pressure early, earning a penalty corner at just 45 seconds. Although Kaylise McClure recorded several saves, Saint Anselm broke through with a goal by Millie Forster at 0:57, assisted by Marissa Politano. Saint Anselm continued to dominate the offensive play, with Bella DiFiore extending the lead to 2-0 at 11:25, assisted by Breanna Shorey. Ruby Reid added another goal for the Hawks at 13:06, bringing the first quarter to a close with Saint Anselm leading 3-0.
Saint Anselm extended their lead in the second quarter with a goal by Reid, assisted by Shorey, at the 26:41 mark. Saint Anselm's offense applied pressure early with a penalty corner at 16:20, although Laurentien van den Akker's subsequent shot went wide. Sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) attempted to respond with a shot at 26:03, but it missed the target. Kaylise McClure made key saves against Burchill and Payeur to keep Mercy in the game, despite trailing 4-0 at the end of the quarter.
Saint Anselm extended their lead over Mercy with two goals in the third quarter. Ellie Brothers scored at 35:13, assisted by Meghan Smith, following a sequence of three consecutive penalty corners. Kelly Holmes added another goal at 40:55, with an assist from Brothers, pushing the score to 6-0. Despite multiple penalty corners and shots from Mercy, including attempts by freshman Gwendolyn Smith (Sound Beach, N.Y./Miller Place) and sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse), Saint Anselm's defense, led by goalkeeper Mackenzie Wehrum, kept them at bay. The quarter concluded with Saint Anselm maintaining their commanding lead.
Saint Anselm showcased strong offensive pressure in the fourth quarter, beginning with a blocked shot by Politano at 46:18. Rebecca McClure made crucial saves against shots from Meghan Carey and Brooke Fallon, but Forster broke through with a goal at 49:05, assisted by Olivia Baran, to extend the lead to 7-0. Ayla Lagasse added another goal for Saint Anselm at 56:21, assisted by Audrey Payeur, bringing the score to 8-0. Despite a penalty corner opportunity for Mercy at 51:27, Saint Anselm's defense held strong, maintaining their advantage until the final whistle.
Kaylise McClure recorded 10 saves over 30 minutes, with eight stops in the first quarter. Rebecca McClure contributed seven saves in the second half, including five in the final quarter. Sabert registered two shots with one on target, while junior Alyssa Benvengo (East Islip, N.Y./Molloy University) added a shot on goal.
Forster led the charge with two goals, including a game-winner, showcasing her efficiency with both shots finding the target. Brothers contributed significantly, securing a goal and an assist, while Baran added an assist, bolstering the team's offensive efforts. Shorey proved to be a crucial playmaker, recording two assists to support the team's scoring opportunities. Reid made her mark by scoring twice and attempting five shots, three of which were on goal, demonstrating her offensive presence.
Saint Anselm held a 35-5 edge in shots, a 25-2 edge in shots on goal and an 11-4 edge in penalty corners.
In their next game, Mercy will host St. Thomas Aquinas College on October 28 at 2 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
