PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Despite a team-high 14 points from junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team dropped a 58-45 decision at Pace University on Saturday afternoon at Goldstein Athletics Center.
The Mavericks (2-2) fall to the Setters (3-1) for the second straight year.
Mercy began the first quarter with a three-pointer from Lesko, assisted by sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central), just 10 seconds into play. Pace responded quickly with Ciara Collins scoring a jumper, assisted by Grace Ziogas, closing the gap to 3-2. Midway through the quarter, the Setters gained momentum with a layup from Collins and a subsequent layup by Cali Chiocchi, giving them a 12-5 advantage. However, Mercy's Lesko closed the quarter with another crucial three-pointer, leveling the score at 12-12 with 38 seconds remaining.
Pace extended its lead over Mercy in the second quarter, starting with a three-pointer by Ziogas at 9:31, assisted by Jaylyn Chorba. Anisa Akinola capitalized on turnovers, scoring a three-pointer at 4:59 with an assist from Chiocchi, pushing the home team's advantage. Mercy's Lesko kept the visitors in contention with a tip-in at 5:54, followed by another tip-in from senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield) at 1:35. Despite these efforts, the Setters maintained control, concluding the quarter with a 24-18 advantage.
The Setters extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong performance, outscoring Mercy 18-11. Collins contributed significantly with a layup and a tip-in, while Morgan Ryan added crucial points with two three-pointers. Sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) kept the visitors competitive, scoring a layup and a free throw to narrow the gap early in the quarter. Despite Mercy's defensive efforts, including four blocks, the Setters maintained control, highlighted by a three-pointer from Ziogas at 6:16. Junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) scored the final points of the quarter for Mercy with two free throws at 00:09, but Pace finished the period leading 42-29.
Mercy and the Setters entered the fourth quarter with the home team leading by 15 points. Akinola scored a layup early in the quarter to extend the advantage. Sophomore Haylee Ellwood (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Daemen University) responded with a three-pointer for Mercy, narrowing the gap to 12 points at 08:16. Despite Mercy's efforts to rally, including a late three-pointer by freshman Allie Regan (Framingham, Mass./Framingham) at 00:19, the Setters maintained their lead. The final score of the quarter was tied at 16-16, with Pace securing a 13-point victory.
Lesko led the team with 14 points and added two blocks. Marcotte contributed five points while collecting eight rebounds and recording three blocks. Hoyt finished with seven points, converting all three of her free throws. Regan made both of her 3-point attempts, adding six points to the scoreboard.
Ziogas led the Setters with 17 points, connecting on 7 of 9 field goals, including three 3-pointers, and added two steals. Collins contributed 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Ryan tallied 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers and making four free throws. Ciera Cevallos secured 10 rebounds and recorded two steals, and Akinola added four steals alongside six points.
Mercy shot 29.4 percent (15-of-51) from the floor, 25.0 percent (6-of-24) from downtown and 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the foul line. Pace shot 40.4 percent (21-of-52) from the field, 36.8 percent (7-of-19) from beyond the arc and 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the charity stripe. Pace held a 39-30 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Tuesday when they play at Sacred Heart at 7 p.m.
