Crossley and Sharkey Score AEC Weekly Honor Roll Recognition
Lancaster, Pa. – (1/30/2023) – Gwynedd Mercy University senior forwards
Haley Crossley (Philadelphia, Pa.) and
Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) both garnered a spot on the
Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women’s Basketball Weekly Honor Roll for their contributions to the Griffins’ recent league wins over Centenary University (NJ) (W, 80-50 on Jan. 25) and the defending league champions from Immaculata University (W, 84-83 (OT) on Jan. 28). Crossley averaged 18.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while recording two blocks and five steals in the victories. Meanwhile, Sharkey supported her seven blocks and two of steals with 5.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. This was Crossley’s fifth appearance on the AEC Women’s Basketball Weekly Report this season and Sharkey’s fourth.
Gwynedd Mercy University (11-9, 4-3) traveled to Centenary University (NJ) (9-10, 0-6) for their first game of the week. The Griffins wasted little time establishing an advantage over the Cyclones as they built a double digit lead in the opening five minutes, 12-2 (5:03), and expanded the difference to 18 points before the end of the frame; 22-4 (0:36). Gwynedd Mercy University used a 61-42 rebounding edge and a 23-of-30 (.767) showing at the free throw line to cement their course for an eventual 30-point win; 80-50 (0:28). Crossley recorded a double-double – 10 points and 12 rebounds – in just 23 minutes on the floor. She also made a block and two steals while helping Sharkey captained the Griffins’ defensive efforts. Sharkey totaled three blocks and a steal while grabbing six rebounds and providing an assist.
Three nights later, Crossley and Sharkey helped the Griffins ensure Head Coach Keith Mondillo the 500
th win of his illustrious coaching career with a thrilling 84-83 overtime victory at Immaculata University (8-10, 3-3). Gwynedd Mercy University used a 17-11 fourth-quarter rally to force the extra frame on a Sharkey jumper (69-69, 0:02) as time expired. In overtime, the Griffins capitalized on a series of Mighty Mac turnovers to stake a 80-75 advantage on a jumper from senior guard
Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) with 2:13 remaining. A temporary Mighty Mac revival evened the contest at 80-80 (0:54) heading to the final minute. There, a Sharkey three (83-80, 0:35) and a free throw from junior guard
Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) sealed the historic victory. Crossley offered a monster double-double with a season-high 26 points and 14 rebounds. She also recorded five assists, a block, and three steals in the contest. Sharkey finished with a season-high 10 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and a steal.
Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Wednesday, February 1, when they welcome first-placed Marymount University to the Griffin Complex for a 6:00 p.m. tipoff.
