STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Powered by double-doubles from juniors Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) and Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team opened ECC play with a convincing 71-52 win at College of Staten Island on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (3-3, 1-0 ECC) snap a two-game losing streak and defeat the Dolphins (2-5, 0-1 ECC) for the first time since 2023. Mercy wins their ECC opener for the second straight year. The 71 points scored by Mercy is a new season high.
Mercy opened the first quarter with a strong start, taking an early lead over Staten Island. Lesko contributed significantly by scoring multiple layups, including a fast break early on, helping the Mavericks establish a 22-9 advantage by the end of the quarter. Abuhatab was active on both ends, assisting on a basket and securing several defensive rebounds. The Dolphins struggled with turnovers, committing five in the quarter, while Mercy capitalized on these opportunities with four steals, including two by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook), who also finished the quarter with a jumper.
Mercy extended their lead over Staten Island in the second quarter with a strong offensive performance, tallying 21 points. Abuhatab led the charge with multiple baskets, including a layup and a three-pointer. Junior Paige Fourtin (Ansonia, Conn./Greens Farms Academy) contributed with a layup and an assist. Defensively, Mercy made key stops, with sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central) recording two blocks. The Dolphins managed to score 10 points, with Kyra Rose adding a layup and a jumper to their tally.
Mercy maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, outscoring Staten Island 17-13. Martin assisted Abuhatab on a layup at the 8:00 mark, contributing to Mercy's advantage. Lesko added a three-point play with a layup and a free throw at 6:56, pushing the Mavericks ahead further. Staten Island's Shonyae Edmonds and Rose each contributed with layups, but Mercy's offense effectively utilized assists from sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) and others to maintain their momentum. The quarter ended with sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) scoring a layup, assisted by Hoyt, to leave Mercy leading 60-32.
Mercy maintained control throughout the fourth quarter despite a determined effort from the Dolphins. Lesko contributed significantly with a pair of free throws and a layup assisted by Fourtin early in the quarter, helping to sustain Mercy's lead. The Dolphins' Rose attempted to rally her team, scoring multiple times, including a fast-break layup at 6:54. However, sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) and junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) added crucial points, with Boek's layup at 29 seconds left ensuring Mercy's advantage. The quarter concluded with Mercy securing a 71-52 victory.
Abuhatab scored a team-high and career-high-tying 23 points and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds. Lesko added a strong performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing two steals. Martin posted two blocks and collected seven rebounds. Hoyt was active defensively, tallying two steals and adding five points.
Rose led the Dolphins, scoring a game-high 24 points on 12-of-18 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. Dana Phelan added two steals and seven points.
Mercy shot a season-high 45.3 percent (29-of-64) from the floor, 11.1 percent (2-of-18) from downtown and 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the foul line. Staten Island shot 34.8 percent (23-of-66) from the field, 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from beyond the arc and 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 48-35 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, December 6th when they host District of Columbia at 12 p.m.
