GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Despite a career-high-tying four goals from freshman Ava Franco (Coram, N.Y./Longwood), the No. 18 Mercy University Women's Lacrosse Team dropped a 20-9 decision at No. 12 Adelphi University on Wednesday night at Motamed Field.
The Mavericks (11-3) see their two-game winning streak come to an end and fall to 0-7 all-time against the Panthers (10-4).
The opening quarter began with Mercy and Adelphi trading possessions until Adelphi capitalized on a free position shot to take an early lead. Mercy responded swiftly, as freshman Jessica Grzelaczyk (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford) scored with an assist from senior Andrea Mott (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) to tie the game. Franco followed with a goal, assisted by sophomore Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd), putting Mercy ahead 2–1 at 10:46.
Adelphi equalized shortly after, and the teams continued to exchange goals. Sophomore Angela Taddeo (Babylon, N.Y./Stony Brook University) found the net with help from sophomore Ashlinn Kelly (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), briefly leveling the score at 3-3 with 2:25 left in the first quarter. However, Adelphi regained momentum and closed the quarter with two consecutive goals, leading 5-3 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with Adelphi extending its lead, as Ashley Kolomechuk scored at 13:11 with an assist from Alexandra Leggio, making it 6-3. Mercy quickly responded, with Franco finding the net at 11:18, assisted by Mott, making it 6-4.
Mercy continued its momentum when Grzelaczyk scored on a free position shot at 6:31, narrowing the gap to 6-5. Despite this, Adelphi regained control, with goals from Emma Mclam and Kolomechuk, increasing its lead to 8-5. Mercy's defensive efforts included key saves by senior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township), but the half concluded with Adelphi leading 8-5.
Mercy opened the third quarter with a defensive turnover caused by freshman Keira Laibach (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Dominic), leading to a clear. Franco capitalized on the momentum with a goal at 12:01, assisted by Grzelaczyk, narrowing the score gap to 8-6. However, Adelphi responded with two consecutive woman-up goals to push its lead to 10-6 at 10:24.
Following a timeout, Mercy's Meyer secured a draw control and later scored a goal at 7:42, her 37th of the season, to bring Mercy back within reach at 10-7. Adelphi countered with another goal shortly after, maintaining its advantage. Despite additional attempts and strong saves by LaMonica, Adelphi extended its lead with two more goals, closing the quarter ahead 13-7.
The fourth quarter began with Adelphi building momentum, scoring two quick goals by Leggio with assists from Marielle Colalillo, and a goal from Kolomechuk extending its lead to 16-7 at 11:48. Mercy responded with junior Riley Wallace (Islip, N.Y./Islip) finding the net at 8:26, marking her 22nd goal of the season. Franco capitalized on a free position shot to add another for Mercy, narrowing the gap to 16-9 with 5:34 left.
Adelphi scored the final four goals of the game to earn the 20-9 win.
Mercy was led by Franco who had a career-high-tying four goals and had a game-high-tying three caused turnovers. Grzelaczyk had two goals and an assist and Meyer added a goal and an assist. Mott dished out two assists and Taddeo and Wallace each recorded a goal. Kelly produced an assist and LaMonica made a game-high 11 saves to take the loss.
Adelphi was led by Leggio who had a game-high 12 points on six goals and six assists. Marielle Colalillo had nine points on four goals and five assists with three caused turnovers and Rita Sefransky had a game-high 12 draw controls. Jillian McFadden made five saves to earn the win.
Adelphi held a 42-17 edge in shots, a 14-6 edge in ground balls and a 20-9 edge in draw controls.
Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, April 18th when they host UDC at 11 a.m.
