ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Despite a game-high-tying four saves from senior Rebecca McClure (Canastota, N.Y./Pace University), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team opened its 2025 season with a 1-0 loss at Roberts Wesleyan University on Friday night.
The Mavericks (0-1) fall to the Redhawks (1-0) for the first time.
The game's only goal came in the fourth quarter, breaking a defensive deadlock. Mercy managed to put four shots on goal but was unable to find the back of the net, with the Redhawks' goalkeeper making crucial saves to preserve the shutout.
The first quarter featured a strong defensive performance by Mercy, anchored by McClure. McClure made three crucial saves, beginning with a block on a shot by Justine Laverty at 6:40, followed by stops against Natalee Lawrence at 7:04 and Makena Tooley at 9:02. Despite the offensive pressure from Roberts Wesleyan, McClure's efforts ensured the quarter ended with the score tied at 0-0.
The second quarter commenced with the Redhawks' Gabby Croniser taking a shot at 24:15, which was expertly saved by McClure. The defensive play kept the score level, maintaining the pressure on the home team.
Mercy began the third quarter with an aggressive offense as graduate student Jessica Evans (Canastota, N.Y./Canastota) fired two quick shots within the first minute, both saved by Roberts Wesleyan's goalkeeper, Avery Richardson. The defensive efforts from the Redhawks included a penalty corner at the 43:15 mark, but Tooley's subsequent shot went wide. Despite the attempts, neither team managed to alter the score in the quarter.
The fourth quarter commenced with Mercy's Evans launching an early shot at 47:24, only to be halted by the Redhawks' goalkeeper, Richardson. Junior Madison Preston (Brookfield, Conn./Brookfield) continued the offensive pressure with another attempt at 55:11, but Richardson again made the save. Despite Mercy's efforts, Roberts Wesleyan capitalized on a penalty corner at 57:22, with Tooley scoring the sole goal of the game, assisted by Avery Carinci.
McClure recorded four saves over 60 minutes, allowing just one goal on five shots faced. Preston registered two shots, with one on target, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Evans led the team with three shots, all on goal, showcasing her accuracy in the attacking third.
Tooley led the Redhawks with a crucial goal, contributing to her team's offensive efforts. Carinci provided an assist, showcasing her playmaking ability. In goal, Richardson delivered a standout performance, recording four saves and maintaining a clean sheet over 60 minutes, securing a win in her
Looking ahead, Mercy travels to Buffalo, N.Y., to face D'Youville University on Sunday, September 7, at 10:30 a.m.
