DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota) and six saves from sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team earned a 2-0 win over NE10 foe Molloy University on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (3-5, 2-1 NE10) have won two games in a row and defeat the Lions (1-5, 0-2 NE10) for the 11th straight time.
The first quarter saw a strong start for Mercy as they applied early pressure on Molloy's defense. Senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades) initiated the momentum with a penalty corner at 1:07, leading to multiple shot attempts from sophomores Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse) and Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland), though all were saved by Molloy's goalkeeper, Kayla Balsamo. Mercy maintained offensive pressure throughout the quarter, highlighted by a penalty corner at 14:19.
Mercy broke through with a decisive goal from Evans at 14:27, assisted by Sabert, marking Evans' fifth goal of the season. By the end of the quarter, they held a 1-0 lead over the visitors.
The second quarter began with a strong defensive showing by Mercy, led by McClure, who recorded three crucial saves within a three-minute span. Mercy capitalized on penalty corners, with Trickel initiating two key opportunities, though shots by Brefka and Sabert were either saved or blocked. Mercy's defensive unit continued to hold firm against the opponent's attempts, with McClure consistently denying their shots. Mercy maintained control of the quarter without allowing a score. The quarter closed with them retaining their 1-0 lead.
The third quarter commenced with Mercy capitalizing on a penalty corner opportunity led by Trickel. At 34:13, Evans extended the lead for the home team, scoring her sixth goal of the season with an assist from freshman Gwendolyn Smith (Sound Beach, N.Y./Miller Place). Molloy attempted to respond with a shot by Samantha Naples, but it was saved by McClure. Mercy continued to apply pressure with junior Alyssa Benvengo's (East Islip, N.Y./Molloy University) shot saved by Balsamo. The quarter closed with Mercy maintaining their 2-0 advantage.
The fourth quarter began with Mercy's aggressive offensive efforts as Evans and Benvengo both attempted shots saved by Balsamo at the 46:05 mark. Shortly after, Sabert and Evans continued the pressure with additional shots, but Balsamo remained steadfast in goal. Mercy's defense remained solid, with McClure recording two crucial saves against Katie Ogurick, helping maintain the team's momentum. Trickel earned a penalty corner late in the quarter and Smith's shot went wide, keeping the team on the attack. The quarter closed with shots by Brefka and sophomore Jaime Stella (Hawley, Pa./Wallenpaupack), both saved by Balsamo, as Mercy sustained their 2-0 lead. The game concluded with Mercy successfully holding their advantage to secure the win.
Evans now has a team-high six goals and 13 points on the year. Sabert and Smith both recorded their second assists of the year, and McClure made six saves to earn her first collegiate shutout.
Molloy was led by Kayla Balsamo who made a game-high 16 saves to take the loss.
Mercy held a 23-8 edge in shots, a 19-6 edge in shots on goal, and a 12-8 edge in penalty corners.
In their next game, Mercy will host Bentley University on September 27 at 1 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
