ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high and career-high 26 points from junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 71-51 win at ECC foe Roberts Wesleyan University on Sunday afternoon at the Voller Athletic Center.

The Mavericks (10-5, 4-1 ECC) have won five games in a row with all five wins by double digits. Mercy is now off to their best 15-game start since the 1985-86 season when they started 11-4. The Mavericks defeat the Redhawks (3-9, 0-4 ECC) for the seventh straight time. Mercy now has double-digit wins for the fifth straight season for the first time since 1987-93.

On Sunday, Mercy secured a decisive victory over Roberts Wesleyan, fueled by a strong fourth quarter performance. The Mavericks were led by Abuhatab, who scored 26 points, converting 10-of-10 free throws, and added five assists. The game began with both teams trading turnovers before sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) put Mercy on the board with a free throw at 7:44. The Redhawks responded with Erin Frazier's layup at 7:05 to tie the score at 2-2. Mercy then pulled ahead, fueled by a three-pointer from Abuhatab at 4:38, leading to a 7-4 advantage. Mercy extended their lead further with a fastbreak layup by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), ending the quarter with an 18-12 lead over the Redhawks.

Mercy held a narrow lead as junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) opened the scoring in the second quarter with a layup at 9:14, assisted by senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield). Tierra Hendricks responded for Roberts with a three-pointer, closing the gap to 20-17. Abuhatab scored a layup and a free throw to extend their lead to 28-20 with 4:28 remaining. Roberts Wesleyan's Sarah Seyfang narrowed the deficit with a three-pointer and a jumper, but Marcotte's late layup secured a 30-27 lead for Mercy at halftime.

Mercy maintained a narrow lead throughout the third quarter, highlighted by strong defensive efforts and timely scoring. Abuhatab's layup at 9:07 extended Mercy's lead, with an assist from Lesko. Despite a brief rally from Roberts Wesleyan with Frazier's layup and free throw at 6:27, Mercy responded effectively. Marcotte's jumper at 4:11 helped Mercy regain control, keeping the score at 40-36. The quarter concluded with a pair of free throws from Abuhatab at 0:53, ensuring a 49-43 advantage for Mercy heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Abuhatab led the scoring surge with consistent contributions, including a layup at 6:23 and a fast-break layup at 2:05, which she followed with a successful free throw. Senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) also made significant contributions, scoring multiple layups and assisting Lesko on another. Mercy's defensive efforts were highlighted by limiting Roberts Wesleyan to just two field goals in the quarter, while maintaining a dominant presence on the boards with 18 total rebounds, pulling away for the 71-51 win.

Abuhatab had a career-high 26 points to go with five rebounds and five assists. Lesko recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while also collecting four steals. Miller contributed 11 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field. Marcotte made an impact with three blocks and added four points. Barrera added eight points and nine rebounds and Hoyt contributed six points and four steals.

Jada Mushat led the Redhawks with 13 points, converting 6-of-8 free throws, and adding two steals. Seyfang added nine points, shooting 4-for-7 from the field, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc, and recorded two blocks.

Mercy shot 43.4 percent (23-of-53) from the floor, 37.5 percent (3-of-8) from downtown and 78.6 percent (22-of-28) from the foul line. Roberts Wesleyan shot 31.7 percent (19-of-60) from the field, 25.0 percent (4-of-16) from beyond the arc and 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 45-32 edge on the glass.

Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday, January 14th when they play at UDC at 5:30 p.m.