Arlington, Va. - (2/23/2022) - #4 Gwynedd Mercy University (15-12) is Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Championship bound after upsetting #1 Marymount University (16-8) by a 70-59 measure in tonight's semifinal. Headlined by a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double from junior forward Haley Crossley (Warminster, Pa.), the Griffins scored the first 10 points of the contest (10-0, 6:35) and limited the Saints to only 10 points in the period, 18-10 (0:13). After which Gwynedd Mercy University advanced their 18-10 position to a 37-29 (0:36) halftime lead and a 51-37 (0:00) third-quarter perch before allowing Marymount University to trim the difference to 11 points by the final buzzer.

Crossley's 14th double-double of the season included three three-point baskets (3-of-8, .375) in a 6-of-13 (.461) field goal effort that was complimented by a 6-of-10 (.600) showing at the free throw line. Crossley also recorded five assists and two blocks. She got plenty of help from sophomore guard Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) and junior guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.); the former recorded 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals, while the latter 11 points, three rebounds, five assists, a block, and two steals. Junior forward Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) helped out greatly on the defensive end with two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. She also recorded eight points. Gwynedd Mercy University shot 40.7% (22-of-54) from the floor, 32.1% (9-of-28) from three-point range, and 73.9% (17-of-23) from the free throw line.

Gwynedd Mercy University will visit #2 Immaculata University on Saturday, February 26, for the 2022 AEC Women's Basketball Championship. The title bout is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off.