Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (2/1/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (11-10, 4-4) used a 25-15 fourth quarter advantage to close the gap in an eventual 64-59 loss to Atlantic East Conference (AEC) leader Marymount University (17-4, 7-1). The Saints overcame the Griffins' early 4-0 (7:42) lead and kept a short distance through most of the first quarter, 17-11 (0:03). They used a superior shooting performance - 44.8 (26-of-58) - .293 (17-of-58) - and a 55-24 rebounding advantage to expand their lead to as many as 18 points, 47-29 (1:51 3QTR), before a late three-point basket from senior guard Kelly Owens (Schwenksville, Pa.) (64-54, 0:17 4QTR) and an even later five points from senior guard Elise Sylvester (Pottstown, Pa.) trimmed the Marymount University margin of victory to five points. Following the contest, Gwynedd Mercy University University President Deanne H. D'Emillio presented Head Coach Keith Mondillo with a commemorative plaque and ball in recognition of his 500th career win.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University shot well from the free throw line with a 76.9% (20-of-26) success rate; Sylvester led the effort with a near perfect, 9-of-10 (.900), performance.
• The Griffins had just seven turnovers to the Saints' 24. The Gwynedd Mercy University's defense was led by a six-block effort from senior forward Cayla Sharkey (Lansdale, Pa.) and a five-steal, one-block showing from senior forward Haley Crossley (Philadelphia, Pa.).
• Sylvester scored a team-high 23 points in excess of her four rebounds and three steals.
• Owens totaled 11 points, while totaling a rebound and a steal.
• Crossley complimented her defensive stats with nine points, four rebounds, and four assists.
• Sharkey added seven rebounds and four points to her shot denial expertise.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues their AEC schedule on Wednesday, February 8, when they visit Marywood University for a 6:00 p.m. tipoff.