Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (10/5/2022) – Gwynedd Mercy University opened their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) schedule and hosted St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) for today's National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Play 4 the Cure event. The Seahawks controlled the first half to the tune of an 11-3 shot advantage, an 8-3 edge in penalty corners, and a 3-0 lead. Additional visitor goals at 30:21 (4-0), 35:37 (5-0), and 52:45 (6-1) overshadowed a one-time connection from graduate defender Kaci Murray (Chalfont, Pa.) to sophomore forward Cheyenne Avellino (Egg Harbor, N.J.) late in the fourth quarter of a 6-1 final.
 
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Gwynedd Mercy University (4-6, 0-1) had plenty chances to break the SMCM (6-3, 1-0) shutout in the third quarter as increased pressure on the Seahawk goal provided penalty corners opportunities at 31:05, 31:18, 33:57, 34:15, 39:09, 39:48, and 41:38. Unfortunately, the Griffins had to wait until the fourth quarter to net their lone tally. The score came at 51:58 on a one-timed centering pass from Murray to Avellino.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University edged SMCM in 21-19 in shots and 16-11 in penalty corners. Avellino scored the lone Griffin goal and matched seniors, forward Victoria Poust (Warminster, Pa.) and midfielder Haley Didinger (Berlin, N.J.) for the team lead in shots (4). Sophomore goalkeeper Morgan Lawless (Bristol, Pa.) totaled four of saves in the loss (4-6).
 
Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Saturday, October 8, when they visit Marywood University for a 3:00 p.m. contest.