WILMINGTON, Del. – Powered by a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds from junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team capped off 2025 with a 69-52 win at Goldey-Beacom College on Wednesday afternoon.
The Mavericks (7-5) have won two games in a row and start 7-5 for the third straight year. Mercy defeats the Lightning (1-11) for the second straight year.
The first quarter commenced with Goldey-Beacom taking an early lead as Gaia Zimbardo scored a layup at 9:00, setting the tone for a competitive quarter. The Mavericks responded with a quick play from sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), who netted a layup at 8:32 to tie the game at 2-2. Strong defensive plays were exchanged, including steals by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) and Lesko. Junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) contributed significantly to the Mavericks' offense, scoring a jumper at 5:30 with an assist from senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), and later adding a layup at 1:25 to keep the visitors close. Despite their efforts, Goldey-Beacom maintained a slight edge, closing the quarter with an 18-15 lead.
Mercy extended its lead in the second quarter, driven by a stellar performance from Lesko, who scored nine points, including a 3-pointer at 5:02. The quarter was marked by defensive efforts, with Barrera contributing two blocks and a steal, which helped maintain the Mavericks' momentum. Goldey-Beacom struggled to keep pace, recording six turnovers and shooting 2-of-15 from the field. Despite a late 3-pointer by Genesis Garcia at 4:37, Mercy ended the quarter with a 13-6 advantage, leading 28-24 at halftime.
The Mavericks dominated the third quarter, expanding their lead significantly with a 24-10 scoring advantage over the Lightning. Lesko opened the period with a 3-pointer, assisted by Nembach, setting the tone for Mercy's commanding performance. Barrera contributed significantly with multiple layups, and the team excelled with a 73.3% shooting rate from the field. Goldey-Beacom struggled offensively, converting only 3-of-17 shots, while Garcia added four free throws towards the end of the quarter.
Mercy secured a decisive victory over Goldey-Beacom, maintaining a strong lead throughout the fourth quarter. Sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) opened the period with two successful free throws, extending the Mavericks' lead to 54-34. Sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central) and Miller combined efforts to increase the scoring margin with layups, while junior Paige Fourtin (Ansonia, Conn./Greens Farms Academy) added to the lead with another layup at 7:10, putting Mercy up 62-37. Despite Goldey-Beacom's efforts, including a 3-pointer by Rory Ciszkowski at 6:59, Mercy's control remained unchallenged. Junior Layla Greene (Harriman, N.Y./The Storm King School) capped the scoring with a 3-pointer at 1:35, finalizing the score at 69-52.
Lesko led the team with 21 points, converting 7-of-8 free throws and grabbing 11 rebounds. Barrera added 10 points while collecting eight rebounds and blocking four shots. Hoyt contributed eight points and secured eight rebounds, adding three steals. Miller scored nine points and recorded two rebounds, along with an assist. Abuhatab and Martin added six points apiece.
Garcia led the offensive effort for the Lightning with 12 points, including two 3-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Lydia Betz contributed to both ends of the court with eight points, four assists, and two steals.
Mercy shot 43.5 percent (27-of-62) from the floor, 25.0 percent (4-of-16) from downtown and 78.6 percent (11-of-14) from the foul line. Goldey-Beacom shot 30.8 percent (20-of-65) from the field, 21.1 percent (4-of-19) from beyond the arc and 80.0 percent (8-of-10) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 49-32 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Monday, January 5th when they host Bloomfield at 5:30 p.m.
