DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – The Mercy University Field Hockey Team opens its 2026 season on Thursday, September 3rd when they host Pace University at 2:30 p.m.
Who, When and Where
Date/Time: Thursday, September 3rd 2:30 p.m.
Records (2025): Mercy (5-12), Pace (8-11)
Location: Mercy Field
Last Meeting vs. Pace
Pace earned a 4-3 win over Mercy on September 17, 2025.
Scouting the Mavericks
Mercy is coming off a season in which they went 5-12 in their final season as members of the NE10. Head Coach Marissa Spinazzola and the Mavericks join the newly formed ECC this season. Mercy was picked first in the inaugural ECC Preseason Poll and junior Charlotte Sabert was named Preseason Co-Player of the Year.
Leading the returners for the Mavericks is Sabert who had 19 points on eight goals and three assists last season. Junior Madison Brefka returns after posting nine points on three goals and three assists and sophomore Gwendolyn Smith is back after recording a team-high four assists with one goal. Senior Alyssa Benvengo had three goals last season and and senior Kate Lynne Conklin is back after posting two assists and two defensive saves a year ago. Junior Eunice Santiago recorded a team-high four defensive saves last season and junior Adrianna Taynor also returns after starting all 17 games last season with one defensive save. Returning in goal is junior Kaylise McClure who won a team-high four games last season and had a team-high 142 saves with a 2.89 goals-against average and .802 save percentage. Also returning are juniors Jaime Stella and Lilliauna Tepper and sophomore Gianna Bevacqua.
Spinazzola also bring in a strong recruiting class, highlighted by six freshmen. Joining the Mavericks as freshmen this year are Sarah Abbas, Madison Nuttall, Keira DeWit, Addison Testa, Ellie Stoklosa, and Jerilyn Bow. The six freshmen will look to contribute immediately.
Conklin, Brefka and McClure will serve as team captains during the 2026 season.
Mercy looks to win their season opener for the first time since 2024. The Mavericks are 2-7 all-time against Pace with their last win coming in 2022.
Scouting the Setters
Pace went 8-11 last season, qualifying for the NE10 Championship. The Setters were picked sixth in the NE10 Preseason Poll. Leading the returners for Pace is Feline Rook who had 19 points on seven goals and five assists last season. Anne Kopec also returns after posting nine points on four goals and one assist. Carlotta Oschmann is back after recording four assists last season.
Next Game
Mercy resumes action on Wednesday, September 9th when they play at Southern Connecticut State at 7 p.m.
