DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by nine saves from senior Olivia LaMonica (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Township) and a game-high six points from sophomore Ashlinn Kelly (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale), the No. 18 Mercy University Women's Lacrosse Team earned a 12-5 win over Jefferson in their Morgan's Message Game on Wednesday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (10-2) have won six of their last seven games and defeat the Rams (9-3) for the 10th straight time. Mercy now has double-digit wins in a season for the ninth time under Head Coach Dawn Sachs.
Mercy started strong in the first quarter, gaining early momentum with a goal by freshman Ava Franco (Coram, N.Y./Longwood) at 13:22, assisted by junior Juliana Talenti (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage). The Mavericks' offense continued to press forward, with junior Riley Wallace (Islip, N.Y./Islip) netting another goal, assisted by senior Andrea Mott (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) at 12:06. Kelly added to the lead with an unassisted goal at 10:56, prompting a timeout by Jefferson.
Mercy maintained control with effective draw controls, leading to sophomore Angela Taddeo (Babylon, N.Y./Stony Brook University) scoring at 8:31 with an assist from Kelly, followed by a goal by freshman Jessica Grzelaczyk (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford), assisted by Mott at 8:01, giving Mercy a 5-0 lead. Jefferson managed to respond with a goal by Iris Gluck at 2:11, assisted by Taylor Hood, but Mercy closed the quarter leading 5–1.
The second quarter began with a defensive stand by Mercy, highlighted by a save from LaMonica. Despite an early goal by Jefferson, Mercy quickly responded as Taddeo scored off an assist from Kelly during a woman-up situation. Sophomore Kayden Meyer (Mastic, N.Y./William Floyd) followed with another goal, pushing Mercy ahead 7-2 with 10:27 left in the half.
Momentum stayed with Mercy as Kelly and Meyer each added to the lead, extending it to 9-2 at 5:30. Jefferson managed to score twice more, but Meyer completed the quarter's scoring with her third goal, giving Mercy a 10-4 lead halftime.
The third quarter commenced with Mercy maintaining possession through a draw control secured by Wallace. Despite a save by Jefferson's Kalyn Ammerlaan on an early shot by Talenti, Mercy's defense forced multiple turnovers, highlighted by seniors Rita-Marie Masi's (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot) and Emily Marino's (West Babylon, N.Y./West Babylon) efforts. However, Jefferson capitalized on a woman-up opportunity with Gluck scoring at 10:02, assisted by Lilly Lutz to make it 10-5. The quarter concluded with Mercy retaining a substantial lead, 10–5, as they limited Jefferson to a single goal in the third.
Mercy maintained its momentum in the fourth quarter, starting with a defensive stop by Wallace, who caused a turnover just after a wide shot by Jefferson. Wallace then picked up the ground ball, setting the stage for her own goal at 11:28, which extended Mercy's lead to 11-5.
Kelly capitalized on an assist from Taddeo at 7:00, giving Mercy a 12-5 lead. Mercy's defense remained resilient, with LaMonica making a crucial save at 2:10 to deny Jefferson's free position attempt.
Mercy closed the quarter with a strong defensive stand, causing multiple turnovers and limiting Jefferson's scoring opportunities. The game ended with Mercy holding a commanding 12–5 lead.
Mercy was led by LaMonica who made nine saves and recorded four ground balls and a caused turnover to earn the win. Kelly added a game-high six points on three goals and three assists to go with three draw controls and Meyer scored three goals. Taddeo recorded two goals and an assist and Wallace contributed two goals and three caused turnovers. Franco and Grzelaczyk added goals and Talenti dished out an assist. Freshman Keira Laibach (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Dominic) had a game-high-tying three caused turnovers and senior Kaci Bates (West Babylon, N.Y./West Babylon) and Marino each had two caused turnovers.
Jefferson was led by Iris Gluck who had a team-high four points on three goals and an assist. Kalyn Ammerlaan made a game-high 11 saves to take the loss.
Mercy held a 28-16 edge in shots, a 20-18 edge in ground balls and an 11-8 edge in draw controls.
Head Coach Dawn Sachs and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, April 11th when they play at Daemen at 12 p.m.
