NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Despite a goal from sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 5-1 decision at Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon at Jess Dow Field.
The Mavericks (1-3) have dropped two games in a row and fall to the Owls (1-3) for the second straight year.
The Owls surged ahead with three goals in the second quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The Mavericks managed to find the back of the net once in the third quarter, but Southern Connecticut State maintained control throughout, with a total of 21 shots compared to the Mavericks' 13.
The first quarter began with senior Rebecca McClure (Canastota, N.Y./Pace University) in goal for Mercy, promptly showcasing her skills with a critical save at 8:24 on a shot from Isabella Folster of Southern Connecticut State University. The Mavericks' offensive efforts were highlighted by a shot from sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) at 5:20, which was saved by the Owls' goalkeeper, Rachel Miller. Despite multiple penalty corners from both teams, the quarter concluded without any goals scored, leaving the score tied at 0-0.
The second quarter began with McClure making an early save against a shot by Keana Criscuolo at 15:40. Despite the Mavericks' defensive efforts, Southern Connecticut State took the lead with a goal by Taylor Leckey at 17:11, assisted by Natalia Fiato. The Mavericks' defense faced pressure, culminating in a defensive save by senior Reagan Lane (Rocky Point, N.Y./Rocky Point) at 27:18 following a shot by Lindsey Onofrio. Late in the quarter, sophomore Jaime Stella (Hawley, Pa./Wallenpaupack) and senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades) both had attempts on goal, with Trickel's shot being saved by Miller at 29:01, maintaining the score at 3-0 in favor of Southern by the end of the quarter.
The third quarter opened with the Mavericks applying early pressure, as Trickel initiated a penalty corner just 17 seconds in. Despite multiple attempts, including a near miss by Sabert hitting the post at 30:28, the Mavericks were initially unable to capitalize. The Owls extended their lead with a goal by Ruby Webb at 35:30. However, the Mavericks responded with a crucial penalty stroke goal by Brefka at 43:30, closing the quarter with a score of 4-1.
The fourth quarter began with junior Madison Preston (Brookfield, Conn./Brookfield) quickly testing Southern's defense, but her attempt was saved by Miller at 46:24. Despite the strong offensive efforts from the Mavericks, including two penalty corners executed by Trickel and a subsequent shot by Brefka, Southern managed to extend their lead to 5-1 with a goal by Onofrio at 50:28. Sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) made crucial saves, notably stopping shots from Onofrio and Fiato, highlighting a solid defensive stand amidst a challenging quarter.
Brefka scored her team-leading second goal of the season. Sabert took five shots, with one on goal, leading the team in total attempts. Kaylise McClure made six saves over 33 minutes, including three in the third quarter. Rebecca McClure made four saves in 27 minutes to take the loss. Preston registered two shots, one of which was on target.
Miller stood out with six saves, allowing only one goal on seven shots faced. Leckey contributed a goal and an assist, with her goal being the game-winner. Folster demonstrated offensive skill with two goals and one assist from four shots. Ruby Webb also made her mark by scoring her team's opening goal.
Southern Connecticut State held a 21-13 edge in shots, a 16-8 edge in shots on goal and a 12-6 edge in penalty corners.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host #6 Bloomsburg University tomorrow at 2 p.m.
