Immaculata, Pa. - (2/26/2022) - Immaculata University (18-8) emerged late in a low-scoring first quarter, 14-9 (1:02), and separated from Gwynedd Mercy University (15-13) for a 41-27 (0:11) halftime lead in today's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women's Basketball Championship. After intermission, the Griffins were able to cut the deficit to single digits on a layup from sophomore forward Natalie O'Neill (Philadelphia, Pa.) with 2:32 to play, 50-49. A pair of free throws from junior guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) reduced it to seven points, 50-43 (1:57) and there it stayed for the third-quarter break (52-45, 0:05) thanks to two free throws from junior forward Haley Crossley (Warminster, Pa.). In the final frame, Gwynedd Mercy University quickly cut the deficit to five points, 52-47, on a Crossley jumper with 9:15 to go and kept the spread at five points on a three pointer from freshman guard Alexis Eagan (Drexel Hill, Pa.) with just three minutes to play; 62-57 (3:06). But in those final three minutes, the Mighty Macs made the necessary field goal and free throws to capture the AEC crown by a 70-57 (0:28) final.

Crossley led the Griffins with 18 points, six rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal. Sophomore guard Lynzie Eggers (Turnersville, N.J.) and Sylvester also score in double figures; the former added a rebound, an assist, and a steal to her 12 points, while the latter provided five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in excess of her 10 points. Junior forward Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) contributed a team-high 13 rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and two steals.

Gwynedd Mercy University finishes the 2021-2022 season at 15-13 overall and 7-5 in AEC play.