DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a hat trick from senior Ancksu Dixon (Freeport, N.Y./Freeport), the Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a convincing 5-1 win over Dominican University in their 2025 season opener on Thursday afternoon at Mercy Field.

Mercy starts the season with a 1-0-0 record after their decisive victory. Dominican falls to 0-1-0 overall following the defeat. Mercy wins their first season opener since 2021.

The home team's offensive display was highlighted by Dixon's hat trick, contributing significantly to their commanding lead. Mercy scored three goals in the first half and added two more in the second, while Dominican managed a single goal after the break. Mercy's defensive efforts were bolstered by sophomore goalkeeper Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View), who made two key saves, ensuring a comfortable win.

Mercy took control early in the first half against Dominican, securing a 3-0 lead by halftime. Sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur) opened the scoring in the ninth minute, followed by Dixon's goal in the 26th minute assisted by sophomore Blake Goldstein (Oceanside, N.Y./Long Island University). Senior Anna Deutscher (Heidenheim, Germany/Monroe CC) added a third goal in the 29th minute, assisted by Metzger. Mercy capitalized on their offensive opportunities with four corner kicks, while Becker made a crucial save to maintain the clean sheet. The first half concluded with Mercy holding a decisive 3-0 lead.

Mercy capitalized early in the second half with a goal by Dixon, assisted by Metzger, increasing their lead to four-nil. Despite a quick response from Dominican's Katelyn Tierney, who scored shortly after her initial shot was saved, Mercy maintained control with Dixon adding another goal in the 59th minute, securing a 5-1 advantage. Mercy's offense was marked by six shots and four corner kicks in the half, while their defense held firm, allowing only one goal despite Dominican's efforts.

Dixon recorded a hat trick, scoring three goals on four shots, including the game-winner. Metzger contributed significantly with a goal and three assists. Deutscher added to the offensive efforts with a goal from three shots. Goldstein facilitated play with one assist in the match. Becker made two saves to earn the win. 

Tierney stood out for Dominican with a goal, contributing two points from her three shots, two of which were on goal. Stella Paton, in goal, recorded two saves despite facing 16 shots, allowing five goals in over 81 minutes of play. Hannah Grenier also contributed defensively with one save in her brief 8:51 minutes on the field. Shelby Parks managed the only shot on goal for the forwards, but it was not converted.

Looking ahead, Mercy will host Goldey-Beacom College on Sunday, September 7. The match kicks off at noon in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., as they continue their campaign on home turf.