ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 14 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a double-double from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18) win at ECC foe Molloy University on Saturday afternoon at Bob Houlihan Gymnasium.
The Mavericks (11-3, 6-0 ECC) have won four matches in a row and hand the Lions (12-7, 5-1 ECC) their first ECC loss of the season.
Mercy opened the first set with a competitive edge after an early exchange of points, with Dilena contributing significantly through three kills. Rivera Rodriguez was pivotal, assisting multiple kills and delivering two service aces that helped shift the momentum in Mercy's favor midway through the set. Mercy sustained their momentum with a series of successful plays, including a kill by freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) and a joint block by Dilena and junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central). Although Molloy attempted to counter with their own scoring, Mercy capitalized on their opponents' errors to maintain their lead. The set concluded with Mercy pulling ahead to a 25-20 finish, establishing a solid start to the match.
Mercy began the second set with strong offensive momentum, highlighted by a kill from Dilena assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, setting the tone early. Senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) contributed to a 7-3 lead, with Bieniek securing a service ace and an attack error by Molloy extending the advantage. Midway through the set, Mercy capitalized on errors from the opposition, with Rivera Rodriguez consistently facilitating successful attacks, including kills by Illes-Hair, further extending the lead. Mercy maintained control, reaching a 15-5 advantage, bolstered by a series of aces and opponent attack errors. Despite a brief push from Molloy, Mercy responded with additional kills from Dilena and Bieniek, pushing the score to 18-8. Molloy attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 18-12, but Mercy quickly regained control through consistent serving, highlighted by a pivotal service ace from Rodriguez Fuentes. Closing the set, Mercy maintained their composure, leveraging Molloy's service errors and finishing with a block by Illes-Hair to secure a 25-15 victory.
Mercy initiated the third set with a strong performance, highlighted by Rivera Rodriguez's service ace and a subsequent kill by Bieniek, quickly gaining a 4-2 advantage. Despite several back-and-forth exchanges, Mercy maintained momentum with key plays, including a kill by Illes-Hair, extending their lead to 10-8. With consistent contributions from Dilena and Rivera Rodriguez, Mercy sustained their lead, pushing the score to 18-14. The team capitalized on Molloy errors and added crucial kills, including one from Bieniek, to stretch their advantage further. Mercy closed the set decisively, bolstered by two consecutive attack errors from Molloy's Teresa Moulder, securing a 25-18 victory.
Rivera Rodriguez delivered a strong performance with a match-high five aces to go with a match-high 26 assists and 10 digs. Dilena led the team in scoring with 14 kills and added one ace. Illes-Hair recorded eight kills and posted a .571 hitting percentage, demonstrating efficiency in her attack. Bieniek had eight kills and Rodriguez Fuentes added four kills and two aces, along with two blocks. Senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) recorded seven digs.
Julia Zalta played a significant role for the Lions, contributing 18 assists and securing two service aces over three matches. Erin Stanley demonstrated offensive strength, leading the team with seven kills on a .250 hitting percentage and adding five digs. Haven Trechter showed efficiency with a .313 hitting percentage, recording six kills and five digs.
Mercy hit .271 with 36 kills, 37 digs, 10 aces and five blocks. Molloy hit .128 with 29 kills, 33 digs, five aces and three blocks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will take on St. Thomas Aquinas College at home on October 22 in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
