MELBOURNE, Fla. – Despite eight different Mavericks scoring, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team dropped a 70-39 decision to Southern New Hampshire University on Friday afternoon at the Clemente Center.
The Mavericks (5-5) have dropped two of their last three games and fall to 0-7 all-time against the Penmen (3-4).
Southern New Hampshire took an early lead on Friday, jumping ahead 5-0 with a layup and free throw from Taylor Brennan at 7:27. Mercy struggled to find their rhythm, managing only two buckets during the quarter. Junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) scored a layup assisted by sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) at 7:27, but the Penmen responded with a fast-break jumper from Samantha Pfeil at 5:41. Ava Winterburn extended the Penmen's lead with a 3-pointer at 3:59, assisted by Madison Hughes. By the end of the first quarter, Southern New Hampshire held a 17-6 advantage.
Southern N.H. took control early in the second quarter, extending their lead with a layup by Meghan Gordon at the 9:18 mark, assisted by Winterburn. The Mavericks responded with a fast-break 3-pointer from sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central), assisted by junior Paige Fourtin (Ansonia, Conn./Greens Farms Academy), narrowing the gap to 21-9. However, Southern N.H. capitalized on turnovers, with Izzy Terzioski and Kameron St. Pierre hitting consecutive 3-pointers, pushing the score to 31-14. The quarter concluded with a tip-in by Pfeil, giving the Penmen a 40-19 advantage at halftime.
Southern N.H. outscored the Mavericks 18-10 in the third quarter, building on their lead with key contributions from multiple players. Lesko opened the quarter with a layup at 9:32, but Southern N.H.'s Winterburn responded with a 3-pointer shortly after, maintaining their advantage. Brennan was pivotal for the Penmen, scoring multiple jumpers, including one at 2:22, assisted by St. Pierre. Despite Mercy's efforts, including steals by Miller and a couple of fast-break points, Southern N.H. maintained control throughout the quarter and ended it with a comfortable lead.
Southern N.H. secured a decisive victory over Mercy in the final quarter, extending their lead to 70-39. Gordon contributed a significant jumper at 8:40, followed by Madelynn Deprey's layup, increasing their advantage early in the period. Sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) attempted to shift momentum with a fast-break layup at 3:26, cutting the deficit slightly. However, Southern N.H. maintained control, with Aniela Kwo adding a layup at the 55-second mark to cap their scoring. Despite Mercy's efforts, including a defensive block by senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield) in the closing seconds, Southern N.H. finished strong.
Miller recorded three steals and added five points. Marcotte contributed seven points and posted three blocks. Junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) scored seven points and collected five rebounds. Senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) tallied four points, five rebounds and recorded two steals in her season debut. Lesko added six points and Hoyt had five points.
Gordon led Southern N.H. with 12 points, shooting 6-for-14 from the field, and added seven rebounds. St. Pierre contributed 11 points, including three successful 3-pointers out of six attempts, while also securing five rebounds.
Mercy shot 24.1 percent (14-of-58) from the floor, 9.1 percent (2-of-22) from downtown and 75.0 percent (9-of-12) from the foul line. Southern N.H. shot 47.5 percent (29-of-61) from the field, 35.3 percent (6-of-17) from beyond the arc and 50.0 percent (6-of-12) from the charity stripe. Southern N.H. held a 37-35 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, December 21st when they play at Florida Tech at 1 p.m.
