LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Powered by a game-high four goals and five points from sophomore Ashlinn Kelly (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), the Mercy University Women's Lacrosse Team earned a 13-9 win at Georgian Court University in their 2026 season opener on Tuesday afternoon.
The Mavericks (1-0) win their season opener for the 13th time in 14 seasons and improve to 10-1 all-time against the Lions (0-1).
Mercy established early momentum in the first quarter, with Kelly securing the initial draw control and later netting the first goal at 12:34. Kelly continued to impact the game by winning subsequent draw controls, setting the stage for senior Andrea Mott's (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) goal at 9:17, assisted by freshman Jessica Grzelaczyk (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford).
Grzelaczyk added to Mercy's advantage with her first collegiate goal at the 7:00 mark, assisted by junior Juliana Talenti (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage), making it 3-1. Georgian Court managed to respond with a goal from Michaela Scirrotto, but the Mavericks' defense, led by goalie senior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township), held strong, including a crucial save on a free position attempt by Caitlin Petrellese near the quarter's close. Mercy ended the quarter with a 3-1 lead over the Lions.
Mercy began the second quarter with an early woman-up goal by Kelly, setting a strong tone. The Lions quickly responded with a free position goal from Caitlin Petrellese, pulling closer in the score. However, the Mavericks regained momentum as Mott scored off an assist from Talenti, extending the lead to 5-2.
Mercy continued to press offensively, with sophomore Angela Taddeo (Babylon, N.Y./Stony Brook University) adding another goal late in the quarter. Strong draw control by Kelly and consistent defensive efforts maintained Mercy's advantage. The quarter closed with Mercy leading 6-2.
Mercy opened the third quarter with momentum, securing a draw control by senior Maeghan Callow (Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge). Despite early pressure with shots by Kelly and Grzelaczyk, Georgian Court's goaltender Cadence Gentile made key saves to keep Mercy at bay. However, sophomore Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd) broke through with a goal assisted by Taddeo, extending Mercy's lead to 7-2.
Georgian Court responded with a woman-up goal by Scirrotto, followed by two quick strikes from Petrellese and Nena Menard, which brought the Lions within one, 7-6. Mercy called a timeout to regroup and regained focus.
Following the timeout, Kelly found the net with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter, adding to Mercy's advantage. Despite the Lions' efforts, Mercy maintained its lead, closing the quarter with a score of 8-6.
Mercy started the fourth quarter with a quick offensive push, capitalizing on a woman-up situation as Taddeo scored with assistance from Kelly. The Mavericks maintained momentum with Kelly herself finding the net soon after, extending Mercy's lead to 10-6. Despite a response from Scirrotto, Mott, assisted by freshman Ava Franco (Coram, N.Y./Longwood), and another goal from Taddeo, further increased the lead to 12-7.
Meyer contributed with a woman-up goal aided by Talenti, maintaining Mercy's advantage, 13-7. The Lions attempted to rally with goals from Menard and Petrellese, but Mercy's defense held firm. The quarter closed with Mercy leading 13-9, securing the victory.
Kelly led Mercy with a game-high four goals, five points, five draw controls and three caused turnovers. Taddeo recorded three goals and an assist in her Mercy debut and Mott posted three goals. Meyer added two goals, four draw controls and two caused turnovers and Grzelaczyk produced a goal and an assist in her collegiate debut. Talenti dished out a game-high three assists and Franco added an assist in her collegiate debut. Senior Emily Marino (West Babylon, N.Y./West Babylon) contributed two caused turnovers and LaMonica made two saves with a game-high five ground balls to go with one caused turnover to earn the win.
Georgian Court was led by Scirrotto who led the team with four goals. Petrellese added three goals. In goal, Cadence Gentile made 19 saves to take the loss.
Mercy held a 37-16 edge in shots and a 16-8 edge in draw controls. Georgian Court held a 20-15 edge in ground balls.
Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, February 21st when they play at Southern New Hampshire at 1 p.m.
