DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Powered by a match-high 17 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy), the No. 1 seeded Mercy University Women's Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-18) win over No. 2 seeded Molloy University on Saturday night to earn their first ECC Championship since 2001 at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (20-4) win their first ECC Championship since 2001 and the fourth in program history. Mercy defeats the Lions (18-9) for the third time this season. The Mavericks end the season a perfect 13-0 at home. Mercy earns the ECC's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Mavericks will be making their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Mercy will hear their name called in the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m. at NCAA.com. Dilena was named the Championship's Most Outstanding Player.
The first set began with Mercy establishing their presence on the court. Despite an early setback, the Mavericks quickly found their rhythm, with Dilena and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) delivering pivotal kills, supported by assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College). The team managed to level the score at various points, showcasing their resilience and strategic play.
Molloy kept the set competitive, briefly taking the lead, but Mercy maintained composure. Key blocks and consistent offensive efforts from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) helped Mercy to regain control. As the set drew to a close, Mercy capitalized on Molloy's errors and continued their offensive push, ultimately securing the set with a 25-21 advantage.
In the second set, Mercy gained early momentum with a strong opening surge. Illes-Hair initiated the scoring with a kill, followed by a series of successful plays from Bieniek and Dilena, leading to a 9-0 run. Dilena's serving was particularly effective, contributing multiple aces to extend the lead.
Molloy attempted to respond with a brief scoring run, narrowing the gap to 13-9. However, Mercy maintained control with key contributions from Rodriguez Fuentes and Rivera Rodriguez, ensuring a steady advantage.
As the set progressed, Mercy's consistency prevailed, with Dilena and Rivera Rodriguez delivering crucial points. The set concluded with a block by Illes-Hair and Rivera Rodriguez, securing a 25-19 victory for the Mavericks.
Mercy opened the third set with a strong showing, securing early points with kills from Dilena and Rivera Rodriguez. Despite a brief comeback from Molloy, Mercy maintained momentum with key plays, including a kill by Bieniek and an attack error by the opponent, pushing the lead to 6-4.
Midway through the set, the teams traded points, with Rodriguez Fuentes and Dilena contributing crucial kills to keep Mercy ahead. Molloy managed to level the score at 10-10, but Mercy responded with a service ace from Rivera Rodriguez and a series of successful attacks, once again seizing control at 15-12.
Mercy closed out the set effectively, with freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) and Rodriguez Fuentes delivering decisive kills. Freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) added two service aces, extending the advantage to 23-16. The set concluded with a final kill by Rodriguez Fuentes, sealing a 25-18 victory for the Mavericks and Mercy's first ECC Championship since 2001.
Rivera Rodriguez recorded 37 assists and added two service aces to her performance. Dilena led the team with 17 kills and four service aces. Rodriguez Fuentes was efficient with 12 kills on 19 attempts, achieving a .579 hitting percentage. Illes-Hair contributed defensively with three total blocks and offensively with five kills. Bieniek had nine kills and Colon had eight digs.
Mercy hit .317 with 49 kills, 47 digs, nine aces and four blocks. Molloy hit .222 with 34 kills, 32 digs, one ace and six blocks.
