GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — Despite a game-high 17 saves from sophomore Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 2-0 decision at NE10 foe Adelphi University on Tuesday night at Motamed Field.
The Mavericks (3-7, 2-3 NE10) have dropped two games in a row and fall to 0-12 all-time against the Panthers (5-3, 4-0 NE10).
The game between Mercy and Adelphi commenced with steady defensive play from the Mavericks. McClure in goal made crucial saves, notably stopping shots from Jena Geels and Lana Mignon de Wet early in the first quarter. Sophomore Eunice Santiago (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West) contributed defensively with a key save following a penalty corner in the 13th minute. Despite several offensive attempts by the Panthers, the Mavericks maintained a strong defensive front, closing the first quarter with a score of 0-0.
The second quarter began with a strong defensive effort from Mercy, highlighted by McClure's multiple saves, including blocking shots from Adelphi's Mignon de Wet and Geels. Santiago also contributed to the defensive stance with a critical defensive save. Despite the Mavericks' resistance, Adelphi broke through in the 28th minute with a goal by Mignon de Wet. The half concluded with Mercy trailing, 1-0.
The third quarter opened with a strong defensive effort by Mercy, highlighted by a key defensive save from junior Kate Lynne Conklin (Greenvale, N.Y./Franklin Pierce University) and multiple saves by McClure. Despite sustained pressure from the Panthers, McClure's goaltending limited their scoring opportunities until a penalty stroke goal by Mignon de Wet at 38:10 brought the score to 2-0. Mercy responded with offensive pressure late in the quarter, with sophomore Madison Brefka (Cicero, N.Y./Cicero North Syracuse) taking two shots following penalty corners initiated by senior Samantha Trickel (Ottsville, Pa./Palisades). Although Brefka's shots were blocked and saved, the Mavericks maintained offensive momentum. The quarter concluded with the score unchanged, Mercy trailing 2-0.
Mercy began the fourth quarter with aggressive play, highlighted by sophomore Charlotte Sabert's (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) blocked shot at 47:01, quickly followed by two penalty corners initiated by Trickel. Despite several attempts, including shots from Sabert and freshman Gwendolyn Smith (Sound Beach, N.Y./Miller Place), Adelphi's defense held strong with blocks and saves by Allison Gregory. McClure played a crucial role in maintaining the scoreline by saving a shot from the Panthers' Izzy Leclair at 50:32 and another from Mignon de Wet shortly after a penalty corner. The quarter concluded with Adelphi earning the 2-0 win.
Mercy was led by McClure who made a game-high 17 saves to take the loss. Santiago had a game-high two defensive saves and Conklin added her first defensive save of the season.
Adelphi was led by Mignon de Wet who scored two goals and by Allison Gregory who made four saves to earn the win.
Adelphi held a 33-8 edge in shots and a 22-4 edge in shots on goal. Mercy held a 9-8 edge in penalty corners.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host Franklin Pierce University on October 8 at 1 p.m. The match will take place in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
