DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a team-high 14 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), a match-high 27 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) and a match-high eight digs from senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-22) win over ECC foe Daemen University on Sunday afternoon at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (9-3, 4-0 ECC) have won two matches in a row and sweep the Wildcats (7-11, 3-2 ECC) for the first time since 2019.
Mercy opened the first set against Daemen with an initial attack error, but quickly countered with a kill from junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central), leveling the score at 1-1. Despite trailing early, the Mavericks showed resilience as Bieniek and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) contributed key points, bringing the score to an 8-8 tie after a service ace by Rodriguez Fuentes.
As the set progressed, Mercy capitalized on the Wildcats' errors and built momentum with kills from freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) and Illes-Hair. With the score tied at 14-14, a series of strategic plays, including a kill by Rivera Rodriguez, kept Mercy competitive. The set reached a tense 19-19 tie before the Mavericks edged ahead with a kill by sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a timely service ace from Rivera Rodriguez.
Closing out the set, Mercy maintained their composure under pressure, with Dilena contributing crucial points. A final kill by Bieniek secured the first set for the Mavericks at 25-23, establishing an early lead in the match.
Mercy established control early in the second set against Daemen, capitalizing on a service error to take the first point. Dilena's service ace and a block by Illes-Hair and Sessions helped Mercy to a quick 4-0 lead. Bieniek contributed a key kill, extending the lead to 8-1 as the Mavericks maintained momentum.
Despite a brief Wildcats push, Mercy continued to build on their advantage with strong offensive plays. Freshman Isabella Brown (New York, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) delivered two service aces, and Rivera Rodriguez set up multiple successful kills for her teammates, including Dilena and Illes-Hair, stretching the gap to 17-6.
Mercy closed the set decisively, with Rodriguez Fuentes securing the final point on a kill from Rivera Rodriguez, concluding the set at 25-12 in favor of the Mavericks.
Mercy gained momentum early in the third set, with Illes-Hair and Bieniek securing key kills from assists by Rivera Rodriguez. A mid-set surge by Bieniek, who contributed multiple kills and a block, helped the Mavericks regain the lead at 11-9.
The teams exchanged points as the set progressed, with Dilena adding critical points through a kill and capitalizing on Daemen's errors. Cooney's service ace extended Mercy's advantage to 20-16. Despite Daemen closing the gap to 20-20, the Mavericks responded strongly. Another kill from Dilena and a block by Rivera Rodriguez and Illes-Hair sealed the set, with Mercy taking the third 25-22, earning the sweep.
Bieniek led the Mavericks with 14 kills and had five digs. Dilena posted 11 kills on 22 attempts, hitting at a .409 percentage. Rivera Rodriguez facilitated the offense with 27 assists and added two kills. Illes-Hair contributed to the defense with four block assists, while also recording six kills. Cooney added a match-high eight digs.
Mullen led the Wildcats, recording 15 kills on 33 attacks. Gaylor contributed significantly, driven by six kills and two block assists. Nahirka Malpica provided a solid performance with five kills and five digs, while adding six points to the team's effort.
Mercy hit .300 with 36 kills, 30 digs, nine aces and seven blocks. Daemen hit .122 with 32 kills, 28 digs, six aces and four blocks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks travel to Flushing, N.Y. for a showdown against Queens College. The match is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
