HOOKSETT, N.H. – Powered by a game-high four goals from freshman Jessica Grzelaczyk (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford) and sophomore Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd), the Mercy University Women's Lacrosse Team earned a 17-6 win at Southern New Hampshire University on Saturday afternoon.

The Mavericks (2-0) start the season 2-0 for the second straight year and improve to 4-0 all-time against the Penmen (0-1).

Mercy started the first quarter with Meyer scoring the opening goal at 12:42, marking her third goal of the season. Freshman Ava Franco (Coram, N.Y./Longwood) then gave Mercy a 2-1 lead with a player-up goal assisted by Grzelaczyk at 8:06, following a series of turnovers by Southern New Hampshire.

Despite Mercy's efforts to maintain control, the Penmen responded with a free position goal by Brynn Goulet at 2:49 to tie the game at 2-2. Senior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township) made a crucial save on a free position shot by Natalie Bosselman, helping to keep the game level. The quarter concluded with the teams tied at 2-2.

Mercy's offensive surge began with sophomore Angela Taddeo (Babylon, N.Y./Stony Brook University) scoring a player-up goal early in the second quarter. This momentum continued as Meyer added her fourth goal of the season, followed by Grzelaczyk extending the lead with another goal. Mercy capitalized on a player-up opportunity with senior Andrea Mott (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) scoring, assisted by Grzelaczyk, pushing the lead to 6-2.

The Penmen responded with goals from Piper Knowlton and Goulet, but the Mavericks regained control as Taddeo scored again. Grzelaczyk's efforts were pivotal, adding two more goals to her tally, with the last coming just under a minute left in the quarter. Mercy closed the quarter strongly, leading 9-4 at halftime.

The third quarter began with Southern N.H. gaining momentum as Ella Lampron and Knowlton scored consecutive goals, narrowing the gap. Mercy responded decisively after a timeout, with Franco capitalizing on a player-up opportunity, assisted by Grzelaczyk, to extend their lead. Meyer and Mott further increased the score to 12-6 with goals assisted by junior Juliana Talenti (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage), putting Mercy back in control.

As the quarter progressed, Meyer added another goal, solidifying Mercy's advantage. Despite the Penmen's attempts to retaliate, including a shot that hit the post, Mercy maintained its strong defensive posture. The quarter closed with Mercy leading Southern N.H. 13-6, bolstering their position heading into the final quarter.

Mercy capitalized on Southern N.H.'s turnovers early in the fourth quarter. Franco, assisted by Talenti, scored at 11:12 to give the Mavericks a 14-6 lead. Sophomore Ashlinn Kelly (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale) added another goal shortly after, reinforcing Mercy's advantage.

Mercy continued to pressure Southern N.H., with Talenti finding the back of the net at the 7:02 mark. Freshman Emma Batter (Port Jefferson, N.Y./Port Jefferson) made a critical save on a free position shot, maintaining the defensive stronghold. Grzelaczyk scored Mercy's fourth goal of the quarter, assisted by Kelly, giving the Mavericks a 17-6 lead with 2:58 left.

The Mavericks defense held the Penmen scoreless from the 13:29 mark of the third quarter till the end of the game.

Mercy was led by Grzelaczyk who had a career-high seven points on four goals and three assists. Meyer added four goals, and two caused turnovers and Franco had a career-high three goals. Taddeo and Mott both had two goals and Talenti contributed a goal and three assists. Kelly produced a goal, an assist, five ground balls and two caused turnovers. LaMonica made six saves in three quarters to earn her second win of the season. Batter made her first career save in the fourth quarter without allowing a goal to preserve the win.

Knowlton led Southern New Hampshire with three goals and added an assist. Goulet contributed two goals. Nicole Mirra made seven saves in three quarters to take the loss.

Mercy held a 36-22 edge in shots and a 19-17 edge in ground balls. Southern New Hampshire held a 15-10 edge in draw controls.

Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, February 28th when they play at Assumption at 1 p.m.