DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by three Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 73-54 win over ECC foe University of the District of Columbia on Saturday afternoon at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (4-3, 2-0 ECC) have won two games in a row and start 2-0 in ECC play for the second straight year. Mercy defeats the Firebirds (3-5, 1-1 ECC) for the fifth straight time.
The first quarter between Mercy and UDC was a close contest, ending with a narrow 15-14 lead for Mercy. Mercy began the scoring with a fast-break layup by junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven), assisted by sophomore Gabrielle Martin (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central), at 9:30. Junior Grace Lesko's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) three-pointer at 5:32 briefly put the Mavericks ahead 5-4. The Firebirds responded with Dashani Coleman contributing a layup at 3:08, assisted by Maya Johnson, to reclaim the lead. Sophomore Haylee Ellwood (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Daemen University) tied the game at 12 with a three-pointer at 2:01, again assisted by Martin. With just 29 seconds remaining, Lesko converted a layup and a free throw, securing the Mavericks' one-point lead to close the quarter.
Mercy pulled away from UDC in the second quarter, outscoring them 20-8. Lesko started the quarter with a jumper, assisted by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), and later contributed crucial free throws and a steal. Abuhatab added to the lead with a three-pointer at 7:10, following up with two made free throws. Junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) scored a key layup and a jumper, helping Mercy maintain their advantage. The Firebirds struggled to find the basket, with Calista Gaymon and Aiyana Ellis missing layups down the stretch, allowing the Mavericks to secure a comfortable lead by halftime.
Mercy extended their lead early in the third quarter with a three-pointer by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook), assisted by Lesko, making it 38-22 with 9:48 on the clock. Abuhatab contributed significantly, blocking a shot at 9:14 and later hitting a three-pointer to push the score to 41-23. The Mavericks' efficient shooting continued with sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) and Abuhatab each adding layups, keeping the team in control. Lesko's consistent performance was capped by a jumper and free throws, solidifying Mercy's advantage. By the end of the quarter, Mercy led 59-37, outscoring the Firebirds 24-15.
Mercy maintained their lead through the fourth quarter, ultimately outscoring the Firebirds, 73-54. Freshman Allie Regan (Framingham, Mass./Framingham) was instrumental, contributing two 3-pointers and a layup early in the quarter to extend the home team's advantage. She also recorded a steal and a defensive rebound during this stretch. Despite a strong effort from Kristian Harris, who scored multiple baskets for the visitors, the Mavericks' defense held firm, with Boek and Hoyt each making defensive stops. Ellwood closed the scoring for Mercy with a layup at the 36-second mark.
Lesko led the team with a game-high 24 points, converting 8-of-11 from the free-throw line, while also collecting eight rebounds. Abuhatab scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including two 3-pointers, and added two assists. Boek contributed with a season-high 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Martin recorded three steals and matched Boek with seven rebounds. Regan scored a career-high eight points in eight minutes.
Nhaikyia Smith contributed significantly for UDC with 11 points, five assists, and two steals, showcasing her ability to facilitate and disrupt. Coleman led the Firebirds with 17 points and four steals, adding defensive tenacity to her offensive output.
Mercy shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) from the floor, 38.5 percent (10-of-26) from downtown and 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the foul line. UDC shot 40.7 percent (22-of-54) from the field, 14.3 percent (1-of-7) from beyond the arc and 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 39-29 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Friday, December 12th when they host Daemen at 5 p.m.
