DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a game-high eight saves from sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View), the No. 15 Mercy University Women's Soccer Team dropped a 2-0 decision to RV Franklin Pierce University in a Morgan's Message Game on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.

The Mavericks (12-2-2) see their two-game winning streak come to an end and fall to the Ravens (11-1-4) for the second straight year.

Franklin Pierce capitalized on offensive opportunities in the first half, taking a 2-0 lead against the Mavericks. Olivia Crespo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, assisted by Claudia Peirce, and Samantha Breton extended the lead in the 33rd minute with assists from Brigid Moore and Mollie Cahalane. Mercy generated multiple chances with shots from senior Emma Best (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale) and freshman Gracie DiPalo (Manorville, N.Y./Eastport South Manor), but the Ravens' goalkeeper Ryan Rosario registered key saves to maintain the shutout.

Mercy's defense held strong during the second half, with Becker making critical saves against the Ravens' attempts, including a pivotal stop of Claudia Peirce's shot in the 64th minute. Despite Franklin Pierce's six shots, only two were on target, both denied by Becker. The Mavericks managed three shots, but all efforts were thwarted, resulting in a scoreless second half. The match concluded with a 2-0 advantage for Franklin Pierce.

Becker recorded a game-high and season-high eight saves in the match, facing 16 shots. Graduate student Madison Rosa (Dublin, Calif./Dublin) registered one shot, which was on target. Sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur) led all players with two shots on goal. Senior Ella Brower (Huntington Station, N.Y./College of Saint Rose) also contributed with one shot on goal.

Rosario was a key player for Franklin Pierce, recording six saves and securing a shutout. Breton contributed offensively by scoring one goal on her sole shot, which was on target. Crespo not only scored a goal but also achieved the game-winning goal, having two shots on target out of three attempts. Peirce assisted on one goal and managed three shots, all of which were on goal.

Franklin Pierce held a 16-11 edge in shots, a 10-6 edge in shots on goal and a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

In their next game, Mercy will face D'Youville University on Saturday, Nov. 1, at noon in Buffalo, New York.