DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Aug. 30, 2023) – The Mercy University volleyball team opens their 2023 season against Pace University on Thursday, August 31st at 5 p.m. at the Judge Athletic Center.

Who, When and Where

Date/Time: Thursday, August 31st 5 p.m.

Records (2022): Mercy (13-7), Pace (5-19)

Location: Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. (Judge Athletic Center)

Last Meeting vs. Pace

Mercy earned a 3-0 win over Pace on September 17, 2022 in Pleasantville.

Scouting the Mavericks

Mercy went 13-7 last season and qualified for the ECC Championship for the third straight season. The Mavericks finished with their first winning record since 2005 and just missed out on qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Mercy earned an NCAA Regional Ranking during the latter part of the 2022 season and will look to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. The Mavericks were picked in a tie for second in the ECC Preseason Poll. Leading the returners for Head Coach Ana Todorovic is senior Larissa Schneid who was named First Team All-ECC last season after leading the team with 196 kills and ranking third on the team with 168 digs. Last year's ECC Co-Setter of the Year senior Yarianne Gonzalez also returns after recording a team-high 728 assists with 180 digs a year ago. Graduate student Julia Pomerleau was named Second Team All-ECC last season and returns in 2023 after hitting an impressive ,364 with 167 kills and 30 blocks. Senior Anyelainy Vizcaino was tabbed All-ECC Honorable Mention last season after ranking second on the team in kills (174) and aces (29). Mercy has defeated Pace two straight years and is looking to win their season opener for the second straight season. The Mavericks are also looking to win their home opener for the sixth straight season.

Scouting the Setters

Pace ended last season 5-19 and are picked 10th in the NE10 Preseason Poll this season. The Setters last posted a winning record in 2018 when they went 20-10. Leading the returners for Pace is Brielle Jones who had a team-high 249 kills last season with 143 digs. Jamie Bittiger also returns after leading the Setters with 381 digs and Georgette Cosentino returns after leading the team with 844 assists, while ranking second with 257 digs. Cosentino also led the team in aces last season with 24 and Cydney Gardner is back after placing second on the team last season with 215 kills. The Setters look to win their first season opener since 2018.

Next Match

Mercy resumes action on Tuesday, September 5th when they play at Goldey-Beacom at 6 p.m.