Blood, sweat, and tears dripping on the floor as the Mavericks watch the clock tic down in overtime. In the final ten seconds CSI converts a three to take the lead. The clocks hit zero after a last effort go by the Mavericks.
It was a back and fourth matter as neither team would quit or accept the lost. The mavericks battle all of fourth quarters and an overtime. It truly felt as the Mavericks were just one play away from returning to the championship game
The Mercy University Women’s Basketball team (18-10) fell short in the conference semifinal playoffs. As they lost to conference opponent College of State Island (CSI) in a devastating overtime thriller just by two points. The Mavericks should hold their head high as they left everything on the court that day.
Angelina Barrera led the way for the Mavericks with twenty one points and seven rebounds. Along with Amani Abuhatab scoring twelve points and nine rebounds.
Head Coach Scott Lagas shared his final thoughts on the team and season.
“An end to a great season always hurts. You are correct, but we would like this season to be remembered as a year of perseverance.”
Lagas went on to expand on what exactly he meant.
“We stared at obstacles in the face and found a way to overcome them so that we would have no regrets.”
Lagas highlighted how he would remember this year’s team with one statement.
“The word I would use is perseverance. Losing our two senior captains on top of multiple other injuries really threw a curveball at us. But we stayed together and fought till the end!”
Mercy previously defeated the University of the District of Columbia 73-49 in the first round of playoffs. Grace Lesko lead the way with twenty points and nine rebounds as the mavericks had a dominate second quarter.
Captain Kyla Nembach was sidelined the entire season due to injuries however, that didn’t stop her from stepping into the role of a team captain.
Nembach shared her thoughts on her first year as a captain while being injured.
“Being sidelined taught me to focus more on my teammates’ success and our team’s goals. Even though I couldn’t physically contribute, I prioritized encouraging and supporting my teammates while learning from them and gaining a deeper understanding of the game.”
Nembach continued to share her thoughts.
“Taking a step back allowed me to see the game from a different perspective, helping me appreciate the meaning behind our process and “why” behind everything we do.”
Nembach opened up about what her injury taught her.
“Being injured taught me patience and gratitude. I’m still learning to be patient as I heal and strengthen my body to return to peak performance.
Nembach continued to share how she appreciates the people within her life.
“At the same time, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for my health and the ability to recover. I’m especially grateful for my coaches, teammates, trainers, and family, who have supported me through this challenge.”
Captain Jaclyn Stanavich reflected on her time here as her time as a player is now over.
“I would like to be remembered as a player who properly portrayed the values that we stand for in this program. Someone who never settled and hopefully encouraged others to do the same. Pushed and supported my teammates to do their best.”
If Stanavich could go back and give her freshman-year self some advice, what would she tell her?
“I would tell my freshman-year self to be consistent with what you truly value in life. Progress is more important than trying to be perfect.”
Stanavich leaves a legacy: She finished her career with 889 points, 124 steals, 30 blocks, and 110 assists.
As the sun sets on another successful season that came up short, it is crucial to remember how much of an impact the 2024-2025 season left for the future. It reminded the conference that the Mavericks are here to stay and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Lagas and company have big things in mind for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The Mavericks are returning Junior superstar Angelina Barrera, conference rookie of the year Grace Lesko, and captain Kyla Nembach, who is returning from injury. Lagas will enter his eighth season with a vengeance as the Mavericks look to return to the conference championship and national tournament.
Hearing that roar coming out of the Victory Hall gym will never not excite Mercy University students.
