Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/21/2022) - Junior forward Haley Crossley (Warminster, Pa.) fouled out of tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Quarterfinal with 2:19 remaining in the contest, but her 26-point, 17-rebound double-double dominated the box score and gave #4 Gwynedd Mercy University (14-12) just enough of a cushion to capture a 74-73 (1:27) victory over #5 Neumann University (8-17). Crossley was 6-of-14 (.429) from the floor and hit half of her shots from three-point range (3-of-7, .429), but she made her presence felt at the free throw line with an 11-of-12 (.917) performance. She also added four assists to her 13th double-double of the season. Junior guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) (12 points) and sophomore guard Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) (10) joined Crossley in double figures; Sylvester added three rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her double digits, while Eggers complimented hers with six rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Junior forward Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) contributed nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks to the Griffin victory.

Gwynedd Mercy University's first-quarter lead maxed out at eight points, 18-10 (3:08), on a Crossley three pointer just before the three-minute mark. Neumann University rallied in those final three minutes as they narrowed the margin to two points, 20-18 (0:02), before the quarter break. Similar to the first frame, the second saw the Griffins separate for an eight-point, 43-35 (3:10), lead on a three-point basket from junior guard Kelly Owens (Schwenksville, Pa.). This time, Gwynedd Mercy University's lead held to through the remainder of the clock, as the Griffins hit the locker rooms with a 45-37 (1:15) advantage. After intermission, Gwynedd Mercy University never relinquished the lead, but let it dwindle to two points, 60-58 (0:28), late in the third quarter and a single point, 74-73 (1:27), with more than a minute to go. In the final 1:27, the Griffin defense held firm for the postseason win.

Gwynedd Mercy University advances to play #1 Marymount University in the semifinal round of the AEC Women's Basketball Championship Tournament. Tip-off for Wednesday. February 23, is yet to be determined.