It’s a small world

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

They eat together and live together.
They work together and play together.
They practice together and win games together.
They are the Griffins.
The Gwynedd Mercy College women’s basketball team has created quite a reputation for itself, with an impressive 26-3 overall record this season. And for the second consecutive year, the Griffins are undefeated in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.
So what is the key to success? What is the secret behind their current 18-game winning streak?
Teamwork.
"These girls do everything together," said head coach Keith Mondillo. "They go to class together, they hang out together, they play basketball together. Sometimes it’s scary how well they get along. But they are much more than teammates — they’re close friends."
Many of the girls knew each other long before their days at Gwynedd Mercy, with some friendships over 10 years in the making.
Take forwards Ashley Vandiver and Jess Smith, for example. The two have been friends since elementary school. They were later Ryan Ragdolls, and have now become roommates and fellow Griffins.
"We’re always together," said Vandiver, a senior at Gwynedd Mercy. "Of course we bicker sometimes, but we never have big arguments. We get along great and we love living with each other."
Vandiver, who averaged 11 points and five rebounds per game this season, led the PAC in free-throws, placing her in the top 30 in the country.
"I knew I was the top in our league, but I had no idea it was in the country," said Vandiver. "I was shocked, but it was so thrilling. And it meant so much because all my teammates were there to support me."
It wasn’t always like that, though. While some of the Griffins were friends in high school, others were viewed as sheer competition.
"A lot of us played in the Catholic League together in high school," said Vandiver. "Me and Michelle (Sgrillo) are best friends now, but we hated each other in high school because we were rivals. But once we came to Gwynedd Mercy we became very close."
Sgrillo, a Cardinal Dougherty alumna, was named to the PAC All-Sportsmanship Team this year. She is one of many Griffins who spent their high school basketball careers in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
"Some of the girls knew each other from playing high school ball together," said Mondillo. "I think that definitely helped us, because they respected each other coming here. They were already familiar with each other’s style, so it didn’t take much for them to jell. It helped us tremendously."
Fellow Philadelphia Northeasters include freshman guard Erica Fulforth, who completes the Ragdoll alum trio, and St. Hubert alumnae Bridget Gibson and Bridget Morrin.
"We all have similar styles from high school," said Vandiver. "I think that’s why we all mesh together so well."
There is no doubt of the Griffins camaraderie, something they endure both on and off the court.
"We are always together," said Smith. "All people talk about is how inseparable we are. But I think that’s why we work so well. We have a lot of similarities in our lives, so we can help each other."
And their time together is filled with much more than basketball.
"We play Nintendo all the time," said Sgrillo. "We have Friday night ‘movie nights’ and we have dance parties, which are a lot of fun.
"The thing I will miss most is how close we all are to one another," she continued. "Having the teammates and coaches I have . . . it has made a perfect senior year. And I don’t want it to end."
Sgrillo, along with fellow seniors Vandiver and Rosyln resident Jackie Dougherty, will say farewell to their fellow Griffins after this season.
"All of the girls are friends on and off the court," said Sgrillo. "I love them all, and I’m really going to miss them."
These girls have been through a lot together during their days as a Griffin. But through the wins and the losses, the heroic moments and the heartbreaks, they always stayed together.
"The girls are very supportive of one another," added Mondillo. "They’re mentally tough. When things go south during a game and most teams would throw in the towel, that’s when they come together and turn things around."
But looking at the Griffins’ record, it doesn’t seem like they’re on the losing side of the scoreboard very often, which can be attributed to excellent coaching.
"I think he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had," Smith said of Mondillo. "He has taught me a lot. He’s not afraid to tell you if you’re doing something wrong, but he also compliments you if you’re doing it right."
Mondillo recently was named coach of the year for the fourth time since he debuted with the Griffins in 1995. He has racked up an impressive 221 wins during that time.
"It’s such an honor," said Mondillo. "But it should be called ‘Staff of the Year,’ because they do just as much as I do. And I wouldn’t be here without their help."
The Griffin coaching team is completed with assistants Amy Murphy, Tom Cleighton, Steve Harrow and Jane Meade.
Despite their fine leadership, the Griffins fell to New York University, 72-60, in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday night in New York City.
With the loss, the Griffins ended their season with a 26-3 record.
"We have a great team," said Mondillo. "I have a lot of faith in these girls and I know what they’re capable of. They’re an incredibly talented group, and I’m very proud of them." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com