DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Despite a game-high-tying two goals from sophomore Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) and a game-high 19 saves from sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 5-3 decision to NE10 foe Bentley University in a Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Game on Saturday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (3-6, 2-2 NE10) see their two-game winning streak come to an end and fall to 0-7 all-time against the Falcons (4-4, 3-0 NE10).
Mercy took the lead at 3:20 when Sabert scored her fifth goal of the season. Bentley's Layla Conway and Moore attempted shots, but McClure ensured Mercy's advantage with key saves. The Mavericks extended their lead to 2-0 at 13:53, with junior Alyssa Benvengo (East Islip, N.Y./Molloy University) scoring her first goal of the season, assisted by sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse). Bentley responded just before the quarter ended, with Sophie Manchester scoring at 15:00, assisted by Eveline Ronzoni, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
The second quarter saw significant defensive efforts from both the Mavericks and Falcons, resulting in no changes to the score. Mercy's McClure was pivotal in goal, stopping shots from Nina Husak at 18:28 and McKenzie Carey shortly after. Bentley's goalkeeper, Annie Lorenz, answered by saving attempts from Sabert and freshman Gwendolyn Smith (Sound Beach, N.Y./Miller Place). Neither side capitalized on their penalty corners, leaving the score at 2-1 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Bentley quickly leveled the match at 2-2 when Lilly Cook converted a penalty stroke at 31:46. Mercy responded with a goal from Sabert, assisted by senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades), at 37:38, reclaiming the lead at 3-2. Defensive efforts were notable as senior Reagan Lane (Rocky Point, N.Y./Rocky Point) made a critical defensive save against a Bentley shot at 40:17. However, Bentley equalized once more with Gracie Moore scoring at 44:34, bringing the quarter to a close with a 3-3 tie.
Bentley secured a 5-3 victory over Mercy in the final quarter with decisive scoring. Manchester put Bentley ahead at 50:44, capitalizing on a rebound to make it 4-3. Despite Mercy's attempts through penalty corners, Bentley extended their lead when Moore scored at 57:51. McClure kept Mercy in the game with multiple saves, including a penalty stroke stop at 58:38, but the Mavericks couldn't close the gap before the final whistle.
Sabert led Mercy by scoring two goals on four shots, all of which were on target. Benvengo contributed her first career goal from her lone shot, showing precision in her offensive efforts. Brefka and Trickel added assists, helping to set up two of the Mavericks' scoring opportunities. McClure made 19 saves, including a standout performance in the fourth quarter with 10 saves, despite the loss.
Manchester led Bentley with two goals, including the game-winner, from three shots on target. Moore contributed significantly with two goals from nine shots, seven of which were on goal, also tallying two unassisted goals. Carey and Madeline Krepelka both registered four shots on goal, demonstrating offensive pressure. Additionally, Cook scored a goal from her sole shot attempt, which was a successful penalty stroke. Olivia Heryla played the final 20:18 minutes in goal with no goals allowed to earn the win.
Bentley held a 29-7 edge in shots, a 25-6 edge in shots on goal, and a 13-5 edge in penalty corners.
The next challenge for the Mavericks is a trip to Garden City, N.Y., where they will face Adelphi University on Tuesday, September 30 at 6 p.m.
