DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high 23 points from junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 61-45 win over Adelphi University in their home opener on Wednesday night in a Diabetes Awareness Game at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (2-1) bounce back from their first loss of the season and win their home opener for the first time since 2023. Mercy defeats the Panthers (2-1) for the second straight time.
Mercy opened the first quarter strong, capitalizing on opportunities in the paint for eight points. The team maintained pressure with effective defensive stops, including two blocks by senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield), which limited Adelphi's scoring chances. Sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central) contributed significantly with defensive rebounds and assists, aiding in the team's offensive flow.
The Mavericks gained momentum with a 5–0 run, highlighted by Lesko's 3-pointer at 6:12, putting them ahead. The team continued to force turnovers, converting them into scoring opportunities. Mercy closed the quarter with a commanding 11–3 lead, showcasing a balanced attack and solid defense.
Mercy opened the second quarter with strategic plays, highlighted by a fast break layup from Lesko assisted by sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) at 8:58. The team capitalized on free throws with sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) and senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) converting key opportunities to maintain pressure on the Panthers.
As the quarter progressed, the Mavericks extended their lead with a 3-pointer by Lesko at 5:09, assisted by Marcotte, and they continued to apply defensive pressure resulting in multiple turnovers. Late in the quarter, Mercy's fast-paced play allowed them to close with a layup by Lesko, pushing the home team to a 29-19 lead at the end of the quarter.
Mercy began the third quarter with a significant push, highlighted by Lesko's defensive block at 8:19, followed by her conversion on the other end for a three-point play. This set the tone for a quarter where the Mavericks controlled the paint, outscoring Adelphi 12-6 inside. The home team maintained momentum with a 7-0 run, capitalizing on a technical foul by Adelphi with four consecutive free throws, extending their lead.
Hoyt and Lesko continued their impact with key buckets, while Mercy's defense held Adelphi to just 4-of-15 shooting from the field. Despite some turnovers, the Mavericks' defensive rebounding and timely free throws helped build on their advantage. The third quarter closed with Mercy leading 48-31, setting a strong foundation heading into the final quarter.
Mercy began the fourth quarter with a defensive stand, as Marcotte blocked Gamila Betton's layup attempt, quickly converting it into a tip-in to extend the lead. The Panthers responded with a 3-pointer by Chuffo, but Mercy maintained momentum with Lesko's two free throws, preserving their advantage.
Midway through the quarter, Mercy's defense continued to hold strong, blocking multiple shots and forcing turnovers. Nembach's 3-pointer and subsequent assist to Marcotte for a jumper helped the Mavericks sustain their lead. Despite the Panthers' attempts to close the gap, a layup by junior Paige Fourtin (Ansonia, Conn./Greens Farms Academy) and an assist from freshman Ella Wilson (Hunlock Creek, Pa./Lake-Lehman Jr Sr) solidified a comfortable margin.
Mercy closed the quarter with a strong defensive play, featuring a block by Wilson and another layup by Fourtin. Adelphi managed a late 3-pointer, but the game concluded with the Mavericks ahead, 61–45.
Lesko led with a game-high 23 points, adding two blocks and seven rebounds. Marcotte posted nine points, collected eight rebounds, and recorded three blocks. Nembach contributed nine points, converting all six free throws and securing six rebounds. Hoyt scored a career-high eight points, made all six free throws, and tallied two steals.
Gianna Chuffo led the Panthers with 21 points, connecting on six 3-pointers. Gamila Betton contributed a double-double, tallying 10 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, while also adding two steals.
Mercy shot 37.0 percent (20-of-54) from the floor, 18.8 percent (3-of-16) from downtown and 94.7 percent (18-of-19) from the foul line. Adelphi shot 23.8 percent (15-of-63) from the field, 38.1 percent (8-of-21) from beyond the arc and 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from the charity stripe. Adelphi held a 43-41 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, November 22nd when they play at Pace at 1:30 p.m.
