DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by a game-high and career-high 11 points from freshman Jessica Grzelaczyk (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford) and a game-high five caused turnovers and six ground balls from senior Emily Marino (West Babylon, N.Y./West Babylon), the No. 1 seeded Mercy University Women's Lacrosse Team earned a 27-9 win over No. 4 seeded D'Youville University in an ECC Women's Lacrosse Championship Semifinal on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (14-3) have won three games in a row and defeat the Saints (6-10) for the second time in less than a week. Mercy advances to the Final for the ninth straight time. The Mavericks will host Roberts Wesleyan in the Final on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. The 27 goals scored by Mercy are a program record. Mercy now has their most wins in a season since 2022.
The game opened with D'Youville taking an early lead, scoring twice in quick succession. Mercy responded with determination, as Grzelaczyk netted the Mavericks' first goal, assisted by sophomore Ashlinn Kelly (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale). This was quickly followed by a goal from senior Andrea Mott (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place), leveling the score.
Mercy continued its offensive momentum with a second goal from Grzelaczyk, assisted by freshman Ava Franco (Coram, N.Y./Longwood), taking a 3-2 lead. A Sam Newlin goal tied the game again at 3-3. Junior Riley Wallace (Islip, N.Y./Islip) then put Mercy ahead with a goal, also assisted by Franco. Despite a brief equalizer from D'Youville, sophomore Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd) and Franco each scored, with Franco's goals both assisted by Grzelaczyk, extending the lead to 7-4.
As the quarter drew to a close, D'Youville managed to score once more on a free position goal by Lauren Parker, keeping the contest tight. The first quarter ended with Mercy leading 7-5.
Mercy opened the second quarter with a strong offensive push, capitalized by Meyer's goal at 13:07, assisted by Mott. Kelly extended the lead shortly after with a successful free position shot. Despite a quick response from D'Youville, Mercy maintained momentum as Franco scored with assistance from Grzelaczyk, bringing the score to 10-7.
Midway through the quarter, Mercy's defense and strategic turnovers allowed them to control the pace. Junior Juliana Talenti's (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage) goal at 4:06, followed by Wallace's free position shot, further increased Mercy's lead to 12-8. Sophomore Angela Taddeo (Babylon, N.Y./Stony Brook University) and Kelly continued the scoring run, each adding a goal with assists from Franco and Grzelaczyk, respectively, pushing the score to 14-8.
In the final moments, Meyer's goal with an assist from Grzelaczyk closed the quarter with a commanding 15-8 lead. Mercy's offensive efforts and effective defensive plays contributed to a dominant second quarter, setting a strong tone for the remainder of the game.
Mercy capitalized on the momentum in the third quarter, starting with Meyer scoring early at 13:05, assisted by Grzelaczyk. Despite being a player down due to a green card, Mercy extended its lead with another goal by Meyer, assisted by Franco. The Mavericks maintained pressure, as Grzelaczyk added to the scoreboard, making full use of turnovers caused by Marino.
Wallace further contributed with a goal at 6:44, assisted by senior Maeghan Callow (Massapequa, N.Y./Plainedge), making it 19-8. Mercy's defensive efforts were highlighted by multiple turnovers and saves from senior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township), keeping D'Youville scoreless for the quarter. The quarter concluded with Callow and Franco each finding the net, with Franco's goal assisted again by Grzelaczyk. This dominant stretch left Mercy leading 21-8 at the close of the quarter.
Mercy entered the fourth quarter with strong momentum, quickly capitalizing on a free position attempt as Kelly scored at 14:09. Kelly followed with another goal shortly after, extending Mercy's lead to 23-8. Despite a woman-up goal by D'Youville's Sam Newlin, Mercy's defense remained resilient, highlighted by Wallace's turnover and subsequent ground ball recovery, which led to her scoring at 7:58.
Mercy continued to dominate with Meyer finding the back of the net off an assist from Grzelaczyk, further widening the gap to 25-9. The offensive surge persisted as Taddeo and Mott added to the tally, with Taddeo also assisting Mott's goal. Mercy closed the quarter decisively, maintaining control and securing a 27-9 victory.
Mercy was led by Grzelaczyk who had 11 points on three goals and a school-record eight assists. Franco added a career-high eight points on four goals and four assists to go with six draw controls and Meyer had a game-high six goals. Kelly added four goals and an assist and Wallace scored four goals. Mott contributed two goals and two assists and Taddeo had two goals and an assist. Callow recorded a goal, an assist and four draw controls and Talenti scored one goal. Marino had a game-high five caused turnovers with six ground balls and sophomore Leanna Kwarta (Lindenhurst, N.Y./Lindenhurst) had three caused turnovers. LaMonica made seven saves to earn the win.
D'Youville was led by Madison Handley and Newlin who both had a team-high three goals. Kaylee Farias made a game-high 11 saves to take the loss.
Mercy held a 47-18 edge in shots, a 25-7 edge in ground balls and D'Youville held a 24-14 edge in draw controls.
Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, May 2nd when they host Roberts Wesleyan in the ECC Championship Final at 11 a.m.
