QUEENS, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 15 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), a match-high 34 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), a double-double from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a career-high 13 digs from freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, 25-23) win over ECC foe Queens College on Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Gymnasium.
The Mavericks (10-3, 5-0 ECC) have won three matches in a row and defeat the Knights (7-13, 0-5 ECC) for the fifth straight time.
Mercy began the first set by overcoming an early deficit after Queens took a 2-0 lead. Mercy quickly responded with a series of points, highlighted by junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes' (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) kill and a service ace by Colon, leveling the score at 4-4. Mercy then surged ahead with a decisive 8-1 run, featuring multiple kills from Bieniek and another from Rodriguez Fuentes, establishing a 12-5 advantage. Mercy's efficient offense, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez's multiple assists, contrasted with Queens' errors, which included five attack errors and two service errors. As the set progressed, Mercy continued to build their advantage, reaching a set-high lead of 23-15. Queens attempted to close the gap with kills from Kendall Conrad and Kylynn White, but Mercy maintained control, culminating in a kill by Rivera Rodriguez, sealing the set with a 25-18 victory.
Mercy opened the second set with a service ace from Rivera Rodriguez, setting an early tone. Although Queens responded with a series of points, Mercy regained momentum with key kills from Dilena and Bieniek, pulling the score to 8-6. A service ace by senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) contributed to closing the gap, and Mercy eventually tied the score at 10-10. Despite an initial deficit, Mercy rallied with effective kills by Dilena and Bieniek, capitalizing on Queens' service errors to regain momentum. The set remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads. In the final moments, a kill by junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central), assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, secured the set for Mercy with a 26-24 victory, concluding with back-to-back points to clinch the set.
Mercy began the third set with effective play, capitalizing on early errors from Queens to gain an initial lead. Bieniek contributed key points with multiple kills and a service ace, supported by Rivera Rodriguez who provided crucial assists, helping Mercy maintain a slim margin. Midway through the set, Mercy extended their advantage with a string of points, including a kill by Illes-Hair and a block involving Illes-Hair and freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche). Queens managed to close the gap with a few successful plays, but Mercy's consistent offense, highlighted by Dilena's attacks, kept them ahead. Despite a late surge by Queens, including consecutive kills from Conrad, Mercy's blocking efforts, led by Illes-Hair, proved decisive, closing the set with a service error by Queens, concluding the set at 25-23 in favor of Mercy.
Rivera Rodriguez contributed significantly with 34 assists, seven digs, seven kills and three service aces. Bieniek had a match-high 15 kills with five digs. Dilena added strength to the offense with 12 kills and also contributed defensively with 11 digs. Colon was effective on defense, recording a career-high 13 digs and assisting on three occasions. Illes-Hair had seven kills and three blocks and Cooney had eight digs.
Conrad led Queens with 11 kills, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts while also adding a solo block. White provided a balanced performance with 14 assists and seven kills, while registering a solo block and an ace. Asuka Shibue stood out defensively, amassing 19 digs to anchor the back row.
Mercy hit .275 with 47 kills, 46 digs, eight aces and four blocks. Queens hit .198 with 33 kills, 37 digs, four aces and seven blocks.
The next challenge for Mercy will take them to Rockville Centre, N.Y., where they will face Molloy University. The match is set for October 18 with first serve at 12 p.m.
