DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Despite three Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team dropped a 77-67 decision to Felician University on Thursday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (15-6) see their 10-game winning streak come to an end and fall to the Golden Falcons (16-6) for the first time since 2019.
The game began with Mercy taking an early lead through a jumper by senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), assisted by sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), at 9:04. Junior Amani Abuhatab (West Haven, Conn./West Haven) extended Mercy's lead with a jumper at 8:20. However, Felician responded with a scoring run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Karla Barreno at 5:05 and a pair of free throws by Lilla Szilvassy at 4:26, shifting the momentum. Felician's Stephanie Formby added a layup and free throw for a three-point play at 2:29, extending their lead. Despite a late three-pointer from Abuhatab at 1:22, Felician maintained control, closing the quarter with a 23-13 advantage.
Formby of Felician made a significant impact during the second quarter with multiple successful layups, bolstering her team's scoring efforts. Junior Molly Boek (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) responded for the Mavericks, contributing with a jumper and layup early in the quarter, and later adding points from the free-throw line. Despite Mercy's fast-break points, Felician maintained pressure, with Ane Valle assisting on a three-pointer by Erica Egan at the 5:24 mark. The quarter remained competitive, but Felician managed to outscore Mercy 19-17, ending the quarter with a 42-30 lead.
In the third quarter, Felician extended their lead with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Valle's early contributions, which included a layup at 9:41 and a jumper at 8:40. Abuhatab responded with consistent play in the paint, scoring a layup at 7:51, assisted by senior Kyla Nembach (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook). Despite the Mavericks' efforts, including a jumper from Barrera at 4:36, Felician's McKenzie Palek hit a crucial three-pointer at 4:58, widening the gap. Felician outscored Mercy 21-17 in the quarter, maintaining control as they entered the final period.
In the final quarter, Mercy's Abuhatab led the scoring effort with multiple layups, closing the gap on Felician's lead. Abuhatab's layup at 7:53, assisted by sophomore Caitlin Leary (Carle Place, N.Y./Carle Place), contributed to a 12-point performance in the paint by Mercy. Felician maintained their advantage, bolstered by free throws from Formby and Barreno, despite Mercy's late surge. Leary's three-pointer with 14 seconds left brought the final score to 77-67, but Felician's earlier lead secured their victory.
Abuhatab led the Mavericks with 19 points, converting 9 of 19 field goal attempts and adding two steals. Boek contributed a season-high 14 points, making 5 of 7 shots from the field, and collected nine rebounds. Junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) added 12 points and recorded two steals, while Nembach facilitated the offense with six assists and five rebounds. Barrera added eight points and sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) netted six points.
Formby led Felician with a game-high 28 points, converting 11 of 17 field goals and sinking 6 of 8 free throws. She also contributed significantly on the boards with 9 rebounds. Valle added 16 points, making 7 of 12 shots, and distributed 6 assists while collecting 4 rebounds.
Mercy shot 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the floor, 27.3 percent (3-of-11) from downtown and 55.6 percent (10-of-18) from the foul line. Felician shot 51.7 percent (30-of-58) from the field, 35.7 percent (5-of-14) from beyond the arc and 60.0 percent (12-of-20) from the charity stripe. Felician held a 33-30 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, February 8th when they host Roberts Wesleyan at 12 p.m.
