Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (4/23/2022) - Prior to the final home contest of their collegiate careers, Gwynedd Mercy University (8-8, 1-3) honored five sensational seniors in defender Seydel Acuna (Philadelphia, Pa.), attack Laura Pelczar (Philadelphia, Pa.), attack Meleah Hoats (Conyngham, Pa.), midfielder Anna Grace Bernicker (Merion Station, Pa.), and goalkeeper Julia Smith (Williamstown, N.J.). Unfortunately, Cabrini University (9-6, 5-0) spoiled the proceedings with a 21-7 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) win over the Griffins.

Bernicker and sophomore attack Kristin Varilla (Lansdale, Pa.) registered three goals apiece; the former also recorded three draws, while the latter added two ground balls to her scores. Freshman attack Hailey Bloom (Margate City, N.J.) offered the other Griffin tally (15-5, 3:57 3QTR) and assisted on one of Bernicker's goals (16-7, 14:36 4QTR). In front of Smith and junior goalkeeper Reilly Owens (Pottstown, Pa.), Acuna (3 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers) and freshman defender Cheyenne Avellino (Egg Harbor, N.J.) (4, 2) combined for seven ground balls and five caused turnovers. Smith (0-1) recorded a save and a ground ball in the first dozen (12:05) minutes of the affair. Owens (47:45) relieved her and finished the contest with 13 saves, three ground balls, and a caused turnover.

Bernicker's first two scores (12:07, 3:14) kept the Griffins on the Cavalier's heels in the first quarter; 5-2 (3:05). Unfortunately, a 9-0 second quarter separated Cabrini University for a 14-2 (0:35) halftime advantage. Gwynedd Mercy University trimmed the deficit by two goals in the third quarter thanks to three Varilla (10:23, 5:15, 2:40) goals and a Bloom's tally; 16-6 (0:15).Still, a 5-1 fourth quarter ensured the Cavaliers the win in today's contest; 21-7 (2:22).

Gwynedd Mercy University concludes their AEC and regular season schedules on Wednesday, April 27, when they visit Marymount University for a 5:00 p.m. contest.