Hackettstown, N.J., - (4/5/2025) - The Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins (3-10, 1-0) began conference play this afternoon, winning against the Centenary University Cyclones (4-4, 0-1) with a final score of 15-4. The Red and Gold were able to start strong with a three-goal streak (12:30, 11:00, 07:28) in the first quarter. They were able to keep the ball in their attacking end with four more shots, and though those shots were not able to be converted into goals Gwynedd Mercy finished the quarter with positive momentum.
The Red and Gold continued in the same fashion in the second quarter. Senior Cheyenne Avellino (Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.) received a well-placed pass from Gianna Papa (Sterling, N.J.) just 54 seconds into the second quarter. The Cyclones notched their first goal with 9:10 remaining in the half. The teams traded points for three goals apiece, with Alysia Collins (Royersford, Pa.) scoring twice (04:41, 03:26). Avellino was able to net another goal (01:20) and the Griffins ended up with the 9-3 advantage at the end of the first half.
Gwynedd Mercy were firing in all cylinders in the second half of play. The Griffins' defensive unit worked as a unit to secure six ground balls and limited the Cyclones to just five shots, while the Griffins attack shot 22 times. Gwynedd Mercy was dominant on the draw circle, winning 15 of 23 total draw controls. Collins closed the game with her fourth goal of the day with 4:00 remaining, securing the win.
Griffin Highlights:
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It was a career-high day for the Griffins on both sides of the field. Ava DeMarco (Woolwich Twp., N.J.) made her known presence on the defensive zone, with a career-high five ground balls and two caused turnovers. Cheyenne Avellino had the hot hand today with seven total goals.
The Griffins next battle the Immaculata University Mighty Macs at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
