Sylvester Steals AEC Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week Award
Lancaster, Pa. – (1/3/2021) – Gwynedd Mercy University junior guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) averaged 7.5 points per game (PPG), 4.5 rebounds per game (RPG), 4.0 assists per game (APG), and 1.5 steals per game (SPG) in a pair of losses at Lycoming College’s Hoops for Hounds Tournament. Her three-steal performance in the Griffins’ 75-65 loss to William Paterson University earned her the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honor.
Gwynedd Mercy University (6-7) continued a see-saw season with an 82-50 Hoops for Hounds loss to Drew University (9-0). Sophomore forward Natalie O'Neill (Philadelphia, Pa.) came off the bench to lead the Griffins with 10 points, four rebounds, and assist, and a steal. It was her second double-digit effort of the season. Junior forward Haley Crossley (Warminster, Pa.) supported with seven points, eight rebounds, and a steal. Sylvester chipped in with seven points, three rebounds, and five assists.
Gwynedd Mercy University concluded their stay at Lycoming College's Hoops for Hounds Tournament with a tip-off versus William Paterson University (6-4). Crossley led the Griffins' fourth-quarter push as the Pioneers used a 17-13 second-quarter advantage and a 17-12 third-quarter edge to eventually defeat Gwynedd Mercy University by a 75-65 measure. Crossley scored 10 of her 15 points in the final frame and finished the game with eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Fellow junior, guard Kelly Owens (Schwenksville, Pa.) was the only other Griffin in double figures as she made three (3-of-8, .375) of her four baskets (4-of-10, .400) from long range and made three of her four free throws (3-of-4, .750) for a total of 14 points. Sylvester was a major contributor as well with eight points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Gwynedd Mercy University competes next on Wednesday, January 5, when they open their AEC with a 6:00 p.m. tip-off at Cabrini University.
