Box Score

GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. – Immaculata University's women's basketball team fell on the road Wednesday night to Gwynedd-Mercy, 63-54, in a Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) contest.
 
After the Griffins had taken their largest lead of the contest, 38-20, with 15:15 remaining in the second half, the Mighty Macs (7-13, 5-6 CSAC) exploded on a 21-6 run in just under six minutes to narrow the gap to just three (44-41) at the 9:16 mark. Sara Smith and Chrissy Esbensen each had eight points to spur the run.
 
However, Gwynedd-Mercy responded with an 8-1 run to retake a double-digit lead (52-42) just inside seven minutes remaining in the game. Immaculata got within six, 62-46, after Smith sunk two free throws at the 5:15 mark, but it would not get any closer the rest of the way.
 
Smith finished with a team-high 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jackie Deegler posted 10 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Esbensen netted 10 points and two assists. Brittany Merkle paced the Mighty Macs on the glass with 11 rebounds.
 
The first half of the contest saw five lead changes and two ties. Immaculata got ahead 5-0 during the first 3:25 of the contest before Gwynedd-Mercy came back with five straight points to produce a 5-5 tie at the 16:01 mark. 
 
The Mighty Macs held their final lead in the game (12-11) with 9:56 to play before halftime, but were able to keep within three of the Griffins until the final 3:07 of the stanza. Gwynedd-Mercy eventually took a 26-18 lead into the break.
 
Natasha Matthews scored a game-high 20 points and finished with 10 rebounds for Gwynedd-Mercy. Shea Wassel also had a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds.
 
Next up, Immaculata travels to Baptist Bible on Saturday at 1 p.m.