SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Powered by a game-high two goals from graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team earned a 4-2 win at NE10 foe American International College on Saturday afternoon at Abdow Field.
The Mavericks (2-5, 1-1 NE10) pick up their first NE10 win of the season and defeat the Yellow Jackets (1-5, 0-1 NE10) for the fifth straight time.
Mercy struck first in the opening quarter with Evans scoring at 6:38, assisted by sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland), giving the visitors an early lead. Sophomore goalie Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) played a crucial role in maintaining the advantage, making key saves against American International, particularly as the home team increased their offensive efforts late in the quarter. Despite a flurry of shot attempts from both sides, Mercy held strong to conclude the quarter with a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter began with McClure playing a crucial role in maintaining the lead, making two key saves against Anella Rossi at 23:49 and 23:59, preventing the Yellow Jackets from equalizing. The score remained unchanged, with Mercy holding onto their 1-0 advantage by the end of the quarter.
The third quarter saw intense back-and-forth action as American International leveled the score at 1-1 with a goal by Milagros Zanatelli, assisted by Mia Wood, at 33:56. Mercy's offensive efforts were persistent, highlighted by three shots on goal from sophomore Jaime Stella (Hawley, Pa./Wallenpaupack) and Evans, all saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades) orchestrated two penalty corners for the Mavericks, but the team's attempts were halted by the Yellow Jackets' defensive stands, maintaining the deadlock through the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter began with a strategic offensive push from Mercy, as Trickel executed a penalty corner at 46:13. Trickel's momentum continued, scoring a goal assisted by freshman Gwendolyn Smith (Sound Beach, N.Y./Miller Place) at 49:59 to give the Mavericks a 2-1 lead. Mercy's dominance was further emphasized when Evans, again with the help of Smith, extended the lead to 3-1 at 51:20. Despite a goal from the Yellow Jackets' Chloe Moss, Mercy quickly responded with Sabert's unassisted goal at 57:01, securing a 4-2 victory.
Sabert contributed to the offense with one goal and an assist, converting three of her five shots on goal. Trickel scored the game-winning goal, finding the net with one of her two shots. Evans added two goals, finishing all three of her shots on target. Smith facilitated the attack by providing her first two career assists. McClure made five saves in goal to secure her first collegiate win.
Moss and Zanatelli each found the back of the net, contributing one goal apiece for American International. Wood provided crucial support with two assists, enhancing the team's offensive efforts. Rossi was active on the attack, leading the team with six shots, three of which were on goal. Meanwhile, Den Hartog stood out defensively, recording eight saves despite facing 12 shots on goal.
Mercy held a 16-15 edge in shots, a 12-7 edge in shots on goal and a 7-3 edge in penalty corners.
Looking ahead, Mercy is set to host Molloy University on September 24 at 2:30 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
