DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University women's soccer team got off to a fast start, but host Mercy University rallied in the second half to defeat the Redhawks 4-1 in the first round of the East Coast Conference Championship on Thursday afternoon.

The fifth-seeded Redhawks took the lead in the ninth minute as junior Ella White picked up a loose ball off a failed clearing attempt and blasted a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that snuck in just under the crossbar for her third goal of the season. Roberts outshot Mercy 7-3 in the first half and 16-12 for the match.

Roberts coach Jeff Vieira said the Redhawks were able to execute many of the things they have been working on all season in the first half.

"Our possession was on, our communication was perfect and our defense was spot on from the scouting report that we had," Vieira said. "Unfortunately, we were unable to carry some of those things over into the second half."

Ancksu Dixon and Amiah Washington both scored twice for Mercy, which will travel to top-seeded Molloy for a semifinal matchup on Sunday.

Roberts finished its season with a 5-10-1 record.

"It's always a disappointment when the season ends, especially when we probably played out best half of soccer of the season in the first half." Vieira said. "I'm sad for our team and our staff who put everything that they had into this game and this season."