true Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (3/19/2025) - Gwynedd Mercy University (2-7) and Eastern University (1-4) battled it out in the sun this afternoon, with the Griffins coming out on top with a score of 15-12.
With the first five minutes of play being a myriad of fouls and turnovers between both teams, Eastern was able to score the first two goals of the game in quick succession (10:00, 9:07). Gwynedd Mercy rallied two minutes later, with their first goal coming from freshman Elena Collilouri (Gilbertsville, Pa.) with an assist from senior Hailey Bloom (Margate City, N.J.) (07:02). The Griffins never lost the lead after Gianna Papa (Stratford, N.J.) connected with Cheyenne Avellino (Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.) (03:13), and they were able to come out of the quarter on a 4-1 hot streak.
Coming out of halftime, Gwynedd Mercy utilized a man-up opportunity to score just 18 seconds into the third quarter. Hailey Bloom once again came up with the assist, this time to Gianna Papa. Each team traded goals throughout the quarter with the Griffins coming up on top with two goals than 1.5 minutes apart (03:12, 01:47). While Gwynedd Mercy were first to strike in the fourth quarter with a man-up goal by Hailey Bloom, Eastern continued to fight with a hot streak of their own. The Eagles netted three goals in a row (14:07, 13:10, 12:43), causing the Griffins to utilize a timeout with 12:43 remaining in the game. Deshe Dunlap (Philadelphia, Pa.) snagged a key ground ball after Eastern won the draw control, allowing the Griffins to return to their attacking zone and triggering multiple shots on goal. Gwynedd Mercy scored twice more (09:21, 09:13), and though Eastern struck again with 6:34 left in the game, the Griffins were able to maintain possession and secure the victory.
Griffin Highlights:
Gwynedd Mercy hopes to continue their winning ways as they host Alvernia University on Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.
