DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by four Mavericks scoring in double figures, the Mercy University Women's Basketball Team earned a 68-54 win over ECC foe Roberts Wesleyan University on Sunday afternoon at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (16-6, 10-1 ECC) have won 11 of their last 12 games and sweep the season series with the Redhawks (4-14, 1-9 ECC) for the fourth straight season. Mercy continues their best ECC start in program history and have secured their sixth straight ECC Championship berth. Mercy now has double-digit wins in ECC play for the fourth straight season for the first time in program history.
The game started with Roberts Wesleyan taking an early lead, capitalizing on turnovers by Mercy to score efficiently in the paint. Jada Mushat led the way for the visitors with a jumper at 8:21 and a fast-break layup at 4:31, contributing to her team's 14 points in the quarter. The Mavericks struggled with shooting accuracy but managed to stay competitive with points from the free-throw line and a crucial 3-pointer by junior Grace Lesko (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) at 3:24. Despite this effort, the Mavericks trailed 14-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter featured a tight contest between Mercy and Roberts Wesleyan, with both teams exchanging leads. Cristina Gonzalez opened the scoring with a jumper for the Redhawks, assisted by Mushat, giving them a brief edge. The Mavericks responded with Lesko converting four free throws, leveling the score. Senior Angelina Barrera (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) played a pivotal role for the Mavericks, contributing key points including a layup at 3:25 and again at 0:42, helping to tie the game at 28-28. With just five seconds remaining, sophomore Haylee Ellwood (Rockville Centre, N.Y./Daemen University) sank a 3-pointer, assisted by Lesko, to give the Mavericks a 31-28 lead at the halftime buzzer.
Mercy gained momentum in the third quarter with a strong defensive display, forcing nine turnovers from the Redhawks. Ellwood contributed significantly with a steal and two assists that led to fast-break layups by Barrera at 7:39 and 7:22. Mercy's offense was efficient, shooting 10-for-17 from the field, including a key 3-pointer by sophomore Morgan Miller (Branford, Conn./Sacred Heart Academy) at 2:31. The Redhawks struggled to keep pace, scoring only 11 points in the quarter and trailing as Mercy extended their lead to 54-39 by the end of the quarter.
The Mavericks secured a decisive 68-54 victory over the Redhawks, holding off a late push in the fourth quarter. Junior Molly Boek's (Saugerties, N.Y./Saugerties) 3-pointer at 7:39 and senior Kyla Nembach's (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook) jumper shortly after extended the Mavericks' lead. Mushat responded with several fast-break plays, including a layup at 4:45, but Mercy maintained control. Barrera contributed with free throws, and senior Megan Marcotte (Enfield, Conn./Enfield) capped the scoring with a free throw with 5 seconds remaining.
Barrera led Mercy with 17 points, converting six of seven field goals, and added three steals with seven rebounds. Lesko contributed a double-double, scoring 15 points and securing 11 rebounds, while also recording two steals. Sophomore Sophia Hoyt (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) posted 12 points and collected four steals, complementing her seven rebounds. Ellwood added a career-high-tying10 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded two assists in the game.
Mushat led the Redhawks with a game-high 27 points, making 11 of 23 baskets and securing four steals. Aniyah Jones contributed 19 points, hitting 8 of 14 shots while also adding four steals and seven rebounds.
Mercy shot 39.2 percent (20-of-51) from the floor, 29.4 percent (5-of-17) from downtown and 62.2 percent (23-of-37) from the foul line. Roberts Wesleyan shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field, 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from beyond the arc and 88.9 percent (8-of-9) from the charity stripe. Mercy held a 44-31 edge on the glass.
Head Coach Scott Lagas and the Mavericks resume action on Friday, February 13th when they play at Daemen at 5:30 p.m.
