DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 23 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), double-doubles from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) and sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a team-high 23 digs from freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-2 (25-20, 21-25, 23-25, 29-27, 15-10) win over ECC foe Molloy University to secure their first ECC Regular Season Championship since 2001 on Senior Day on Saturday afternoon at the Judge Athletic Center.

In a ceremony prior to the game, Mercy honored Bieniek, Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) and Marichelle Rodriguez (Yonkers, N.Y./Yonkers) for their contributions to the program.

The Mavericks (18-4, 11-1 ECC) win their first ECC Regular Season Championship since 2001 and finish the regular season 11-0 at home. Mercy will host the ECC Women's Volleyball Championship on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd. Mercy sweeps the season series with the Lions (17-8, 10-2 ECC). The Mavericks will host #4 seed D'Youville in an ECC Championship Semifinal on Friday, November 21st at 4 p.m.

The first set commenced with Mercy establishing an early advantage, opening with a kill by Dilena assisted by Rivera Rodriguez. The Mavericks capitalized on key plays, including a block by junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) and freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche), taking a 4-2 lead. Bieniek contributed with consistent kills, while junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) and Colon provided critical assists to maintain momentum.

Midway through the set, Mercy extended their lead to 11-8 with impactful plays from Dilena and Illes-Hair. However, Molloy responded with a series of points, briefly leveling the score at 14-14. Mercy then regained the lead with a service ace from Dilena and a series of opponent errors.

Closing the set, Mercy surged ahead with a strong defensive effort, forcing multiple attack errors from Molloy. Rivera Rodriguez and Bieniek continued to drive the offense, with Rodriguez Fuentes sealing the set with a block, closing the set at 25-20 in favor of Mercy.

The second set started with Mercy trailing as Molloy built an early lead, fueled by Teresa Moulder's effective attacking. Mercy responded with a kill from Illes-Hair, but Molloy continued to extend their advantage. Bieniek and Sessions provided key points to narrow the gap, but Molloy maintained a strong position.

Midway through the period, Mercy capitalized on Molloy's errors, with Bieniek contributing multiple kills to keep the team within reach. Dilena made a strong impact late in the set, securing consecutive points to bring Mercy closer. Despite a late push, including a series of points from Dilena and Bieniek, Mercy fell short as Molloy clinched the set 25-21.

The third set opened with a series of exchanges, as Mercy aimed to regain momentum. After trailing early, Mercy found success with kills from Illes-Hair and Bieniek, brought about through effective setups by Rivera Rodriguez. The team managed to keep pace with Molloy, tying the score multiple times.

Midway through, Mercy faced a challenging stretch, as Molloy capitalized on a sequence of attack errors and service errors, extending their lead. However, Mercy responded with strong defensive plays, including blocks by Sessions and Rodriguez Fuentes, which helped close the gap. Bieniek's late kill brought Mercy level at 23-23.

In the final moments, despite a resilient effort by Mercy, Molloy secured the final two points with kills by Haven Trechter, concluding the set at 25-23 in favor of the Lions.

In the fourth set, Mercy initiated a strong response after trailing early. Bieniek's kill, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, started a run that leveled the score at 2-2. Illes-Hair and Rodriguez Fuentes contributed key blocks to push the team ahead 4-2. Mercy capitalized on Molloy's errors and maintained a narrow lead through strategic plays, including another kill from Bieniek, assisted by Rodriguez Fuentes, extending the advantage to 6-5.

Mercy continued to leverage Molloy's errors, with Rivera Rodriguez setting up kills for Illes-Hair, Sessions, and Dilena, keeping the score in their favor. Despite Molloy closing the gap with a service ace and several kills, the Mavericks managed to retain a slight edge at 20-17, thanks to a series of effective plays from Bieniek and Illes-Hair.

The set concluded with a tense back-and-forth exchange as Molloy tied the score at 22-22. However, Mercy responded with decisive plays, including a final kill by Dilena, assisted by Colon, securing the set 29-27. This victory highlighted Mercy's resilience under pressure, maintaining their lead to close the match.

In the decisive fifth set, the Mavericks capitalized on early momentum with a series of impactful contributions from Illes-Hair and Bieniek, who each delivered key kills. Rivera Rodriguez facilitated the offense with multiple assists, leading to a 5-2 advantage. Mercy's defense also played a crucial role, as Bieniek and Illes-Hair combined for a block that extended the lead.

Molloy attempted to close the gap, narrowing the score to 6-5, but Mercy responded with another offensive push. Dilena and Bieniek continued to find attacking opportunities, pushing the score to 9-5. Despite a brief rally by the Lions, Mercy maintained pressure with effective kills from Dilena and Illes-Hair, ultimately closing the set with a 15-10 victory, winning the match in five sets.

Bieniek had a match-high 23 kills and Illes-Hair contributed significantly with 10 kills and six total blocks, highlighting her presence at the net. Rodriguez Fuentes added to the defensive effort with seven total blocks, complementing her three kills. Rivera Rodriguez facilitated the attack with 46 assists and anchored the defense with 23 digs. Colon added a career-high 23 digs and Dilena had 18 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Isabella Brown (New York, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) had nine digs and Cooney had four digs.

Aria Miller showcased her defensive skills for Molloy by leading the team with 26 digs across five games. Teresa Moulder was effective at the net, contributing six total blocks and adding 11 kills. Erin Stanley also made a significant impact with 13 kills and six total blocks. Isabella Rios was an offensive force, recording 14 kills on a .355 hitting percentage.

Mercy hit .179 with 59 kills, 80 digs, four aces and 13 blocks. Molloy hit .128 with 54 kills, 66 digs, eight aces and 11 blocks.

Head Coach Ana Todorovic and the Mavericks resume action on Friday, November 21st when they host D'Youville in an ECC Championship Semifinal at 4 p.m.