GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA. -- Gwynedd Mercy fell to visiting Penn State-Brandywine, 5-1, on Tuesday in their first home game of the season on a hot, muggy evening.

Senior Gersi Hoxha netted his first career goal for the Griffins, coming on a free kick in the 85th minute. From 22 yards out, he was able to send a low charge through traffic and around a wall to the far post to get GMercyU on the board and notch his first collegiate tally.

Brandon Crochunis scored twice, both coming in the first half, while teammate James Cellucci added a score and an assist for the Lions (1-0-1).

After the two goals from Crochunis, the Griffins (0-2) had a prime chance to cut into the lead with just over two minutes in the half, but an open blast at the top of the box from Kevin Bowers was pushed over the crossbar by Brandywine's Brandon Weldon. Penn State soon countered with a late goal off a scrum on a corner kick to take a 3-0 lead into the break.

Gwynedd goalie Kace Peters notched three saves with freshman Joe Duffy seeing some action late in the contest. Weldon finished the game with four stops.

The Griffins will get back at it on Saturday when they travel to Penn State-Harrisburg in a noon start.

(Photo courtesy of Jackson Tulo)