Melina Santacroce led the Monarchs with 24 points in yesterday's LIC Class C championship. Photo: George Faella

Mercy lost to East Rockaway in the Long Island Class “C” Championship at Half Hollow Hills West High School yesterday.

The Monarchs started slow against a very quick East Rockaway team, having trouble finding the basket in the first few minutes, but they quickly settled down and put together their offense.

Both teams swapped leads throughout the first half as the game grew more intense. East Rockaway took a 24-22 lead into the locker roo at half time.

The second half was more of a gritty, hard-fought court battle, with some less than stellar officiating, which didn’t help the Monarchs. Mercy tied the score a few times and by the fourth it was a real nail-biter. With Mercy behind by two points and less than two minutes left in the game, Mercy made a last-ditch effort to get back into the game. Again, some questionable calls all but wiped out their momentum. Final score: East Rockaway 48, McGann-Mercy 42.

Melina Santacroce finished with 24 points, Gianna Santacroce had nine points, Karina Ellis and Sarah Penny had four points apiece.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella

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