Maverick students can hear a roar of excitement coming out of the Victory Hall gym. That roar would be the Mercy University’s women’s basketball team and they aren’t getting quiet for any opponent they face.
Coach Scott Lagas’ team and company won their third straight over ECC foe D’Youville University, 55-38, on Feb. 7. This win was back boned by a 17-point and five rebound performance by the junior forward Angelina Barrera.
The red hot mavericks look to avenge their conference championship loss against the Daemen Wildcats this Sunday at noon.
There is without a doubt that last year’s historic season has lit a fire under the 2025 Mavericks. Qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1985 and having the most wins since 1985, Lagas looks to make that the new standard here at Mercy University.
Lagas began to share more insight on exactly how last season motivated this year’s team.
“Last year’s experience motivated this year’s team. We do have a lot of returners who went to the NCAA Tournament. I think going to the conference championship and NCAA Tournament set a new standard for our program, and we go about our business every day with that goal.”
Leadership is one of the most important issues within any type of sports team. However, one of the Mavericks leaders for the season has been sidelined all season with an injury. Yet, that does not stop the junior guard from leading her teammates throughout the season.
Captain Kayla Nembach shared how her injury has not stopped her from helping the team in any way.
“Being injured has allowed me to see the court in a new perspective now that I am on the sidelines. I can see different things that normally I wouldn’t be able to see on the court.”
Nembach stated that staying active with her teammates has been a reward of growth for her as well.
“I am able to coach the people that either have less experience than me or are younger than me. I teach them my ways of seeing the court as a player and point guard. I not only lead them but give them insights that they may not see on the court.”
This Sunday, the Mavericks will be facing ECC foe Daemen University. However, the Mavericks are labeling this the making strides against cancer game where fundraising and donating can take place to anyone affected by this disease.
Captain senior guard, Jaclyn Stanavich, gave insight on what this opportunity means to the school and community.
“Basketball is obviously so much more about winning and losing. We have a big game on Sunday and we want to go out and win. However, it also is a great opportunity to recognize people who have been affected by cancer personally or if they know someone who has.”
Stanavich continued to share how important it is to the community.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to bring the community together and take the day and make it more than basketball and more than winning and losing. It is about unity with the community.”
Lagas’ team looks to continue making noise within the conference and chase that new standard they set last season. With six regular season conference games left for the Mavericks, Coach Lagas’ team looks to make some noise in March and hoist that trophy for the very first time.
