DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a goal from sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 10-1 decision to No. 6 Bloomsburg University in their home opener on Sunday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (1-4) have dropped three games in a row and fall to the Huskies (5-0) for the third straight time. Mercy scored the first goal allowed by Bloomsburg this season.
Bloomsburg's offense dominated with 10 goals on 31 shots on goal, including four goals in both the first and fourth quarters. Mercy managed an early goal but was unable to contain the relentless attack. Senior Rebecca McClure (Canastota, N.Y./Pace University) and sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) made 19 saves amid the onslaught, while the Huskies' defense held strong, allowing just three shots on goal.
The first quarter saw a strong offensive push from Bloomsburg, with Genna Bush scoring just 18 seconds into the game, followed by a goal from Sophie Lawler at 1:46. Despite the early deficit, Mercy's defense, led by Rebecca McClure, responded with saves against multiple shots. Mercy broke through at 10:53 when Sabert found the back of the cage, marking her second goal of the season and closing the quarter with a score of 4-1 in favor of Bloomsburg.
The second quarter commenced with a strong defensive performance from Mercy, highlighted by goalkeeper Kaylise McClure's three critical saves, including one at 21:19 off a shot by Lawler. Despite the defensive efforts, the visitors managed to break through with a goal by Arianna Deliso at 29:09, bringing the score to 5-1.
The third quarter began with immediate action as junior Madison Preston (Brookfield, Conn./Brookfield) attempted a shot early in the quarter, which was saved by Bloomsburg's goalkeeper Maura Greek. Mercy's defense, led by Kaylise McClure, was under constant pressure, successfully saving shots from the opposing players, including a notable save at the 37:59 mark against Kaylyn Elliott. Despite Mercy's efforts, Bloomsburg capitalized on a penalty corner at 39:36, with Bush scoring her ninth goal of the season, assisted by Elliott, bringing the score to 6-1 in favor of Bloomsburg.
The fourth quarter began with a strong defensive effort from Mercy, as Kaylise McClure recorded multiple saves, including a crucial stop at 46:13 against Georgia Tsioles, and sophomore Eunice Santiago (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West) added a defensive save at 46:25. Despite these efforts, Bloomsburg found the net four times, with the first goal at 46:25 by Lexy Freed, assisted by Deliso. Mercy continued to battle, earning a penalty corner at 59:38, but Sabert's shot went wide just before the game concluded.
Sabert scored her second goal of the season. Preston tested the opposing goalkeeper with two shots, both on target, demonstrating her offensive presence. Kaylise McClure, in relief, made a significant impact in goal with a career-high 15 saves, including five in both the third and fourth quarters. Rebecca McClure, starting in goal, contributed with four saves during the opening quarter and took the loss. Sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse) added a defensive save.
Deliso led Bloomsburg with two goals and one assist. Bush contributed significantly with three goals, including one game-winner. Lawler added depth to the attack with a goal and an assist, while Hornbaker and Bond each found the back of the net, with Bond hitting all four of her shots on goal. Greek made two saves to earn the win.
Bloomsburg held a 36-5 edge in shots, a 31-3 edge in shots on goal, and a 19-3 edge in penalty corners.
In their next game, the Mavericks travel to Pleasantville, N.Y., to face Pace University on September 17 at 4 p.m.
