DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 13 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and 11 kills from junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) and senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-16) win over Franklin Pierce University on Friday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (7-2) have won three matches in a row and defeat the Ravens (4-9) for the first time since 1998.
Mercy opened the first set with strong play from the outset, gaining an early lead with a kill by Illes-Hair assisted by junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College). While Franklin Pierce briefly took advantage of some errors, Mercy responded with a series of successful plays, including a service ace by freshman Isabella Brown (Great Neck, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) and a block by Rivera Rodriguez and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey), to regain momentum. As the set progressed, Mercy continued to build their advantage, highlighted by multiple kills from Bieniek and Dilena, with Rivera Rodriguez consistently providing the assists. A service ace from Dilena further extended the lead. Despite a few points from Franklin Pierce, Mercy maintained control with a decisive block by Rodriguez Fuentes and another kill by Bieniek. Mercy closed the set confidently, with a service ace from senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) and a final kill by Bieniek, sealing a 25-12 victory.
Mercy capitalized on key plays to establish early control in the second set. The team initiated with a service ace from Rivera Rodriguez, setting the tone for a strong start. Dilena and freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) contributed decisive kills, helping Mercy build a lead. As the set progressed, Mercy maintained momentum with consistent scoring from Bieniek and Illes-Hair. Defensive efforts were highlighted by a block from Rodriguez Fuentes and Rivera Rodriguez, further extending the lead. In the closing stages, Mercy's attack remained effective with assists from Rivera Rodriguez leading to multiple kills, including the final point scored by Illes-Hair. Mercy closed the set with a 25-15 victory, establishing a firm lead in the match.
Mercy began the third set with a strong defensive stand, as Illes-Hair and Bieniek combined for blocks that set the tone early. This led to a 3-0 lead, punctuated by another block from Illes-Hair and Sessions. Mercy's momentum continued with a service ace from Brown, extending the lead to 5-1. Franklin Pierce attempted a comeback, narrowing the margin to 7-5, but Mercy responded with a series of kills from Rivera Rodriguez and Bieniek, maintaining control at 11-7. Dilena added to Mercy's advantage with consecutive kills, pushing the score to 16-10. Despite Franklin Pierce's efforts to close the gap, Mercy remained composed and capitalized on errors by the visitors. Illes-Hair and Dilena secured crucial points down the stretch, leading Mercy to a 25-16 victory to close the set and match.
Dilena led the Mavericks with 13 kills and nine digs. Illes-Hair posted an impressive .714 hitting percentage with 11 kills and four block assists. Rivera Rodriguez distributed 31 assists while also adding three total blocks and two service aces. Bieniek contributed 11 kills and six digs to the team's efforts. Freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) recorded nine digs and Cooney had six digs.
Annaka Lindstrom was a key playmaker for the Ravens, leading the team with 17 assists over three sets while also contributing three kills with a .600 hitting percentage. Avery LeBlanc added six kills and seven digs, playing a balanced role on both offense and defense. Katholiki Koukia made her presence felt at the net with four kills and a team-leading three total blocks, while also recording six points. Martina Spackova equaled Koukia in total blocks with three, adding to the team's defensive efforts.
Mercy hit .345 with 41 kills, 41 digs, six aces and seven blocks. Franklin Pierce hit .049 with 22 kills, 25 digs, two aces and five blocks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will travel to Waltham, Mass., to face Bentley University on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.
