DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high-tying 19 points from sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) and junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton), the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a convincing 76-52 win over Dominican University on Thursday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (9-5) have won four games in a row and start 9-5 for the first time since the 2023-24 season. Mercy defeats the Chargers (4-10) for the first time since 2017.
Mercy opened the game with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by sophomore Sophia Hoyt's (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) early steal and layup at 9:12, giving them an initial lead. Senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) added another layup at 8:25, assisted by Lesko, to further Mercy's advantage. Dominican responded with a 3-pointer from Tamia Nunes at 7:20, taking a 5-4 lead. The Mavericks pulled ahead again when senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) scored a fast-break layup at 4:03, assisted by junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven). Miller extended the lead with a 3-pointer at 2:40. However, the Chargers closed the gap to one point with a last-second 3-pointer by Cayla Howard, ending the quarter with Mercy leading 17-16.
Mercy capitalized on turnovers and efficient shooting to outscore the Chargers 17-9 in the second quarter. Lesko contributed significantly with a layup at 8:04 and assisted sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place) for a 3-pointer at 7:40. Abuhatab added to the Mavericks' lead with a 3-pointer at 2:48, followed by a successful free throw from junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties). Despite a 3-pointer from Howard at 1:48, the Mavericks maintained their advantage, ending the quarter with strong defensive plays, including a steal by Hoyt in the final seconds.
Mercy dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Chargers 26-13. Nembach facilitated early momentum with an assist to Abuhatab for a 3-pointer at 8:26, pushing Mercy's lead to 39-27. Isabella Javier kept the Chargers competitive, contributing several points, including a layup and a free throw, narrowing the gap to 39-32 at 7:36. However, the Mavericks pulled away as Miller scored a fast-break layup at 2:01, extending the lead to 53-38. Lesko capped the quarter with a layup and subsequent free throw, finalizing the score at 60-38.
Mercy secured a decisive victory over Dominican with a final burst in the fourth quarter. Miller's layup at 8:32, followed by two free throws, extended the Mavericks' lead to 66-44. The Chargers attempted a comeback with Sky Priester hitting a 3-pointer at 8:05, but Mercy maintained control. Lesko added a layup and a free throw at 2:38, pushing the score to 72-49. Mercy's defense also played a crucial role, with senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield) contributing blocks and rebounds, ultimately sealing a 76-52 win.
Miller scored a career-high19 points on 7-of-11 shooting and added three steals. Abuhatab contributed 11 points with a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and two steals. Lesko matched Miller with 19 points and also recorded six rebounds. Nembach provided playmaking support with five assists and added a steal. Barrera added 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting and Hoyt contributed seven points, five rebounds, and four steals.
Javier led the Chargers with 12 points, connecting on 4-of-5 field goals, including one 3-pointer, and added two steals. Ketura Rutty contributed significantly with 11 points, shooting 5-of-7 from the field, while collecting seven rebounds and two steals.
Mercy shot a season-high 53.7 percent (29-of-54) from the floor, 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from downtown and 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the foul line. Dominican shot 38.5 percent (20-of-52) from the field, 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from beyond the arc and 70.0 percent (7-of-10) from the charity stripe. Dominican held a 31-27 edge on the glass. Mercy forced 25 Charger turnovers to hold a 33-12 edge in points off turnovers.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, January 11th when they play at Roberts Wesleyan at 2 p.m.
