Valhalla, N.Y.- The Georgian Court University women's basketball squad cracked the win column for the first time this season as the Lions strutted to a 75-60 non-conference road win Saturday afternoon at Mercy College. The contest was played at Westchester Community College.

The-host Mavericks came out with guns blazing as the home team sprinted to a healthy 18-9 advantage after the first 10:00 of play. Georgian Court gathered themselves to start the second period and came out with an 18-8 performance, escaping to intermission with a slim 27-26 lead.

GCU topped the home team with a 24-17 victory in the third frame before the two foes posted identical marks in the fourth, providing the road warriors a satisfying initial triumph in 2017-18.

"It is a nice win for us, especially on the road," stated head Coach Jazz Perazic. "We have been so focused on defense in all of our practices, and it's great to see that it is finally starting to pay off." This was a great team effort, which is always required in order for the team to become a great defensive force. It is important that we maintain our focus and intensity and that we continue to play for each other. Everyone contributed to today's win. We will need to improve our rebounding and playing solid defense without fouling." 

The Lions (1-2) demonstrated hot hands from the field as the victors drained 47.5% of their attempts (29-for-61), which included a scalding 56.25% (18-for-32) in the second half. GCU also connected on 12 of its 22 attempts from long range (54.5%).

Jess Placher and Jaelyn Tweedy topped the Georgian Court lineup with 19 points apiece. The duo each drained seven shots from the floor and dished five assists while Placher popped in a game-best five three-pointers.

Destiny Thompson sank 12 points for the Lions while grabbing seven boards, swiping four steals and rejecting two Mercy shots. Carna Prokic compiled 10 points and topped all players with eight assists.

Monet Keane-Dawes (Sr.-Brooklyn, N.Y.) carried the load for the 2-1 Mavericks by leading all participants with a double-double effort of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Amber Brown (Fr.-South Brunswick, N.J.) deposited 13 points of her own for Mercy.

The Lions return home for a four-game home stand beginning Tuesday night vs. LIU Post. The non-conference contest tips off at 6:00 p.m. in the Wellness Center Arena.