The third meeting saw the teams tied at half 22-22 and in the third quarter 36-36. Early into the 4th quarter the Gators built a lead going up 43-36. With a 1 minute 47 seconds left Mercy was down by 4 points. Our defense turned it on with stellar play. Tawny Elchuck '24 sank a floater with 43 seconds left to tie the game. Mercy got another defensive stop and pushed to ball for a quick outlet and bucket to put us up by 2. Sacred Heart called another timeout to settle down and draw up a play. Mercy stimied their play and pushed the ball. Anani Perez '26 attempted to dribble it out and with 3 seconds left Sacred Heart sent her to the free throw line. She swished the first one to give Mercy a 3 point lead. The Gators called their last timeout and attempted to ice her. She calmly walked to the line and sank her next shot to put Mercy up 55-51. As time ran out Mercy players and fans erupted in cheers defeating SHP at home in the playoffs. It was a great night for our program.