DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a double-double from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), a combined 29 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and a match-high 14 digs from freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-22, 31-29, 25-18) win over ECC foe Queens College on Wednesday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (17-4, 10-1 ECC) are now 10-0 at home this season and have won 10 of their last 11 matches. Mercy now has their most wins in a season since 2005 and sweep the season series with the Knights (9-18, 2-9 ECC).
Mercy initiated the match with a steady exchange of points against the Knights, with junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) and Bieniek each contributing crucial kills to keep the score tight. Rivera Rodriguez played a key role, assisting on multiple plays to ensure the Mavericks stayed competitive.
As the set progressed, the Mavericks gained momentum, highlighted by a service ace from Rivera Rodriguez and a series of kills from Dilena and Illes-Hair. Despite a brief surge from the Knights, the home team capitalized on attack errors by their opponents and maintained composure.
Mercy closed the first set effectively, with Rivera Rodriguez's assist setting up freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) for the final point. The Mavericks secured the set with a 25-22 advantage, establishing an early lead in the match.
Mercy opened the second set by gaining momentum with a series of points, including a service ace from Dilena and a block by Illes-Hair and Sessions, establishing an early 5-0 lead. Rivera Rodriguez consistently set up her teammates, resulting in multiple kills from Bieniek and Dilena. Despite a brief challenge from the Knights, the Mavericks maintained their lead as the set progressed.
Queens managed to counter by tying the score at 11-11, led by Kendall Conrad's kills. The teams traded points into a tense finish, with Bieniek securing critical kills to keep the Mavericks in contention. After a back-and-forth exchange that saw the score tied at 29-29, Mercy capitalized on a service error from the Knights. Dilena's kill, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, sealed the set at 31-29 in favor of the Mavericks.
Mercy began the third set with a strong start, marked by an early service ace from Rivera Rodriguez. Despite a brief exchange of points, the Mavericks found their rhythm with junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) and Dilena contributing key kills, with assists from Rivera Rodriguez. Bieniek's service aces were pivotal, with four consecutive aces extending the lead significantly.
Mercy sustained momentum with Rivera Rodriguez continuing to facilitate the offense, resulting in multiple kills by Dilena and Rodriguez Fuentes. Though the Knights managed a short run, the Mavericks' defensive efforts, including a block by Rivera Rodriguez and Rodriguez Fuentes, maintained control. Mercy closed the set confidently at 25-18, securing the match with a decisive run.
Dilena led Mercy with a match-high 15 kills. Bieniek was a formidable presence at the service line, delivering a match-high six aces to go with 14 kills and eight digs. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offense with 35 assists, 12 digs and added five blocks defensively. Rodriguez Fuentes excelled at the net, recording five total blocks while maintaining a .500 hitting percentage with four kills on eight attempts. Colon had a match-high 14 digs and Illes-Hair had five kills and three blocks.
Kendall Conrad led Queens with 14 kills, achieving a .281 hitting percentage. Her performance was supported by Maya Angelova, who was a key defensive presence with five total blocks. Kylynn White facilitated the offense with 14 assists and also added seven kills, while recording 10 digs
Mercy hit .234 with 44 kills, 44 digs, 10 aces and 10 blocks. Queens hit .188 with 35 kills, 41 digs, five aces and eight blocks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will host Molloy University for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 15 at noon.
