Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (1/8/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University (7-7, 1-0) opened the New Year firing on all cylinders, hitting their first three three-point shots (9-2, 8:26 1QTR) in today's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season opener versus Centenary University (NJ) (7-3, 0-1). The Griffins carried the hot hand through the remainder of the frame (11-of-20; .550 FG, 8-of-14; .571 3PT) forging a 30-11 (0:19) first-quarter lead before defeating the Cyclones by a 30-point margin; 93-63 (0:11). Sophomore guard Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) hit the first two (9:56, 8:56) of the Griffins' opening three-point baskets and finished the affair with a game-high 25 points after hitting three more from long range (5-of-12, .417). She completed her second double-double of the season with 10 rebounds, while also totaling two assists, a block, and a steal. Fellow sophomore, forward Natalie O'Neill (Philadelphia, Pa.) matched Eggers with her second double-double of the season; she recorded 16 points and 15 rebounds in excess of three steals. Junior guard Kelly Owens (Schwenksville, Pa.) was Gwynedd Mercy University's other major long range threat as she hit 5-of-13 (.385) from three-point distance in a 17-point performance. Junior point guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) was the fourth Griffin in doubles figures and the third to record a double-double  - her first of the season - with a dozen (12) points and 10 assists. She complimented it with three rebounds and three steals.

Gwynedd Mercy University's lead first reached 20 points on an early second-quarter three-point basket from sophomore guard Ava Casale (Sewell, N.J.), 35-15 (8:48). From there, the Griffins kept their distance to a 47-30 (0:53) halftime spread. After intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University pushed the difference back over 20 points on a Owens three pointer with 7:56 (53-32) remaining in the third quarter. Eventually, the difference advanced to more than 30 points on an O'Neill jumper with 1:44 (88-57) remaining in the contest and late buckets for both sides pushed the final to a 93-63 spread.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Wednesday, January 12, when they host Neumann University in a 6:00 p.m. contest.