BUFFALO, N.Y. – Despite a goal from freshman Addison Testa (Danbury, Conn./Danbury), the Mercy University Field Hockey Team dropped a 2-1 decision at D'Youville University in their ECC opener on Saturday afternoon at Dobson Field.
The Mavericks (1-5, 0-1 ECC) fall in their first-ever ECC game, while the Saints (3-4, 1-0 ECC) defeat Mercy for the first time.
Junior Charlotte Sabert (Mohegan Lake, N.Y./Lakeland) and senior Alyssa Benvengo (East Islip, N.Y./Molloy University) forced D'Youville goalie Hallie Villavechia to make a pair of early saves in the first quarter and the game remained scoreless at the end of the opening quarter.
Sabert recorded another shot on goal in the 21st minute and junior Kaylise McClure (Lake Grove, N.Y./Sachem North) made a save in the 22nd minute to send the game into halftime, 0-0.
The Mavericks took a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute when Testa scored her first collegiate goal off her own rebound, giving Mercy a 1-0 lead. McClure closed the quarter with a save and Mercy headed into the fourth quarter with a 1-0 lead.
The score remained 1-0 until the 55th minute when Jimena Loustalot scored following a Chloe Burkhard penalty corner, tying the game at 1-1. Loustalot later scored on a penalty stroke in the 59th minute, giving the Saints a 2-1 lead. D'Youville held Mercy scoreless for the remainder of the game, giving the Saints the 2-1 win.
Mercy was led by Testa who scored her first collegiate goal and had a team-high three shots on goal. McClure made three saves to take the loss.
D'Youville was led by Loustalot who scored a game-high two goals and by Villavechia who made a game-high five saves.
D'Youville held an 11-9 edge in shots, Mercy held an 8-5 edge in shots on goal and D'Youville held a 13-3 edge in penalty corners.
Head Coach Marissa Spinazzola and the Mavericks resume action on Tuesday, October 6th when they play at Roberts Wesleyan at 4 p.m.
