FLUSHING, N.Y. — Powered by the game-winning goal in the 88th minute from freshman Rosa Pistone (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West), off an assist from sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur), the RV Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a 1-0 win at ECC foe Queens College on Saturday night at Knights Field.

The Mavericks (6-0-1, 1-0-1 ECC) remain unbeaten on the year and are now off to their best start in program history. The Knights (1-5-1, 1-1 ECC) suffer their first ECC loss of the season.

Metzger fired a shot in the 1st minute that was saved by Samantha Hines-Hirsch, with subsequent attempts from senior Maleah Tarin (Eastvale, Calif./Chino Hills) and sophomore Blake Goldstein (Oceanside, N.Y./Long Island University) going wide. Queens responded with a shot by Adriana Melgar in the 9th minute, which sailed over the crossbar. Graduate student Madison Rosa (Dublin, Calif./Dublin) and senior Ancksu Dixon (Freeport, N.Y./Freeport) each forced saves by Hines-Hirsch, who remained steadfast throughout the half. The period concluded with the score level at 0-0, as both defenses held strong.

Queens had a corner kick early in the second half at the 46th minute but couldn't capitalize. Both teams exchanged shots, with Dixon and Metzger actively attempting to break the deadlock. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Pistone scored with an assist by Metzger, giving Mercy a 1-0 lead. Queens had a late corner and a shot by Ava Angiuli, but the effort was off target, concluding the match 1-0 in favor of the Mavericks.

Pistone scored her first collegiate goal, securing the game-winning score with her only shot on target. Metzger contributed to the offense by providing the team's only assist, while also recording two shots, both on goal. Sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) played a key role in defense, recording a shutout with no goals allowed in 90 minutes of play.

Hines-Hirsch made a significant impact as the goalkeeper for Queens, recording five saves across 90 minutes of play. Her performance included four saves in the first half and an additional save in the second half, facing a total of 10 shots. Avery Shreffler, playing in the midfield, was active in taking a shot, along with Grace Kinney and Melgar, who each contributed with one shot during the game.

Mercy held a 10-4 edge in shots and a 6-0 edge in shots on goal. Queens held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.

Looking ahead, the Mercy soccer team will host Holy Family University on October 1. The match is set to begin at 4 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.