SPARKILL, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 11 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a match-high 29 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-22) win at ECC foe St. Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday night at Aquinas Hall.
The Mavericks (6-2, 2-0 ECC) have won two matches in a row and start 2-0 in ECC play for the first time since 2023. The Spartans (3-9, 0-2 ECC) remain winless in ECC play.
The first set began with the Mavericks quickly finding their rhythm after conceding the initial two points to the Spartans. Mercy's offense was sparked by a kill from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), supported by Rivera Rodriguez, which tied the score at 2-2. This was followed by a series of successful plays, including key kills by Bieniek and blocks by freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) and junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central), allowing Mercy to seize momentum and extend the lead.
Mercy continued to build on their advantage with a service ace from senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) and strong offensive contributions from junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) and Dilena. A critical turning point came as the Mavericks capitalized on several attack errors by the Spartans and kills from Rodriguez Fuentes, Dilena and Bieniek, increasing their lead to 15-7. The set closed with Mercy maintaining their dominant scoring streak, highlighted by a final kill from Bieniek, securing a 25-15 victory in the opening set.
The second set opened with the Mavericks gaining momentum early, as Dilena and Illes-Hair contributed key kills to establish a rhythm. Rivera Rodriguez facilitated effective plays, leading to a series of scoring drives that included a service ace by Rodriguez Fuentes, pushing Mercy ahead 11-5.
The Mavericks' defensive presence was evident with multiple errors forced on the Spartans, while Rivera Rodriguez and Dilena continued their offensive contributions, extending the lead. A late surge by Sessions and Bieniek, supported by solid blocking, helped Mercy conclude the set decisively with a 25-11 win, maintaining control and building on their lead.
Mercy began the third set with decisive play, highlighted by a strong offensive push that included kills from Illes-Hair and Rodriguez Fuentes, propelling them to a 6-2 advantage. Freshman Isabella Brown's (Great Neck, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) consecutive service aces further extended the Mavericks' lead to 7-2, demonstrating effective service play. Despite a mid-set rally from the Spartans that evened the score at 12-12, Mercy regained control with a series of effective plays, including a critical block by Rodriguez Fuentes and Rivera Rodriguez to level the score at 18-18.
Mercy closed out the set by capitalizing on the Spartans' errors and maintaining a consistent offensive rhythm. Dilena's key kills, supported by kills from Illes-Hair, helped the Mavericks secure the set. Mercy ended the third set with a 25-22 victory, maintaining composure to conclude the sweep.
Dilena led the Mavericks with a match-high 11 kills and contributed nine digs. Illes-Hair recorded nine kills with a .467 hitting percentage and added four total blocks. Rivera Rodriguez tallied a match-high 29 assists and secured seven digs in the matchup. Bieniek added 10 kills to her team's effort and collected nine digs. Cooney contributed seven digs.
Kamila Zoe Rosa stood out for the Spartans, registering seven kills on 11 attempts for a .455 hitting percentage, while also contributing a block assist and one dig. Leila Noboa Santos excelled in the setting role, leading the team with 18 assists over two matches. Adriana Zarceno was a key offensive player with eight kills and a service ace. Chloe Weiting added depth with four kills and two digs, while Boglarka Kiss provided defensive stability with nine digs and one service ace over three matches.
Mercy hit .284 with 37 kills, 36 digs, eight aces and nine blocks. STAC hit .033 with 24 kills, 23 digs, four aces and one block.
Looking ahead, Mercy will face off against Franklin Pierce University on Friday, October 3. The match is set to take place at 6 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
