FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Despite a game-high-tying 12 points from senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team dropped a hard-fought 58-46 decision at Division I Sacred Heart University on Tuesday night at the William H. Pitt Center.
The Mavericks (2-3) have dropped two games in a row, while the Pioneers (2-4) have won three straight meetings against Mercy. The 12-point loss against Sacred Heart is Mercy's smallest margin of defeat to the Pioneers in three meetings since Sacred Heart went Division I.
Mercy began the first quarter looking to establish control, but faced early defensive pressure from Sacred Heart, resulting in turnovers that set the tone. Senior Kyla Nembach's (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) three-pointer at 5:45 provided a brief spark, cutting into the deficit. The team capitalized on two free throws by junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) at 3:47, narrowing Sacred Heart's lead to, 17-10. Despite Mercy's efforts, Sacred Heart maintained their momentum, leveraging points in the paint to counter Mercy's advances. Sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central) and Marcotte contributed key layups to keep the score competitive. The quarter concluded with Mercy trailing 23-16.
The second quarter began with a strong showing from Sacred Heart, as Missy Nuku hit two consecutive 3-pointers early on. Mercy struggled offensively, managing only one successful field goal by junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) at 5:30. Defensively, Mercy forced several turnovers, including steals by sophomore Haylee Ellwood (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Daemen University) and Nembach, but could not convert these into points. Sacred Heart capitalized on their defensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, extending their lead. Mercy faced challenges maintaining possession and generating offensive momentum, closing the quarter with a 38-18 deficit.
Mercy started the third quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by two blocks by Marcotte. Nembach contributed offensively with a layup at the 9:00 mark, following an assist by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), to keep the team competitive. Lesko and sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) each added crucial points from the free-throw line and the paint, respectively. As the quarter progressed, Mercy continued to find opportunities inside, with Marcotte adding a pair of layups, assisted by Boek, to maintain pressure on Sacred Heart. Defensive rebounds by Ellwood and Miller helped control possessions, although Sacred Heart's scoring from beyond the arc extended their lead. The quarter concluded with Mercy trailing, 50-29, after Miller's successful free throws.
Mercy began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive effort, securing five steals and two blocks, which limited Sacred Heart's opportunities. Marcotte's layup at 8:47 initiated a scoring push, complemented by Miller's two free throws to cut into the deficit. Despite Sacred Heart's early two three-pointers, Mercy's defensive rebounding provided chances to maintain pressure. Midway through the quarter, Hoyt's fast-break layup, assisted by Miller, exemplified the team's ability to capitalize on turnovers. Mercy continued to chip away with key contributions from the bench, including a layup by Boek. Free throws by Miller and Boek further narrowed the margin. In the closing minutes, Marcotte added a layup to finish a robust 17-point quarter for Mercy. The Mavericks held the Pioneers scoreless for the final 7:54 of the game, ending the game on a 13-0 run, outscoring Sacred Heart 17-8 in the fourth quarter. The Pioneers held on for the 58-46 win.
Marcotte scored 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and added three blocks. Miller converted 8-of-10 free throws and recorded six rebounds. Nembach added eight points and collected three steals. Lesko contributed nine points and tallied two steals.
Amelia Wood led Sacred Heart with 12 points, shooting 5-of-12 from the field, including two 3-pointers. Sophie Nascimento contributed nine points and added two steals and two assists. Nalyce Dudley matched Nascimento with nine points and recorded three steals, leading the team's defensive efforts.
Mercy shot 36.4 percent (16-of-44) from the floor, 9.1 percent (1-of-11) from downtown and 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the foul line. Sacred Heart shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56) from the field, 33.3 percent (6-of-18) from beyond the arc and 88.9 percent (8-of-9) from the charity stripe. Sacred Heart held a 34-30 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, November 30th when they play at Assumption at 1:30 p.m.
