Mercy Varsity Basketball (MVB), now (7-2), started the first go-around of the perennially tough and talented Central Division, taking on Regina, Divine Child, Ladywood and Marian.

Beating Regina 58-54 gave the Marlins a strong start in Catholic League play; however, they were not able to beat the experienced Divine Child squad as they lost a down-to-the-wire game, 52-43.

“I thought we played [Divine Child] pretty tough. Everyone contributed and it was a hard-fought game until the end,” said senior co-captain Taylor Jones.

But the Marlins were too much for the young Ladywood squad and beat them 60-25. Mercy registered points from every player on the roster.

The nationally-ranked Marian Mustangs gave Mercy quite a challenge. Despite pulling within 12 points in the third quarter, the Marlins lost 54-32.

“For Marian being as good of a team as they are, I definitely thought our team competed really hard and refused to give up. I’m excited to play [Marian] again,” said junior Zora Pullen.

On Friday, the varsity team will begin their second go-around in the Central division, hosting Regina at home at 7 p.m.