DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Nov. 3, 2025) – The Mercy University Volleyball Team hosts American International College on Tuesday, November 4th at 7 p.m.
Who, When and Where
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 4th 7 p.m.
Records: Mercy (14-3), American International (13-5)
Location: Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
Last Meeting vs. American International
AIC earned a 3-0 win over Mercy on December 5, 2024.
Scouting the Mavericks
Mercy went 16-11 last season, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. The Mavericks qualified for the ECC Championship for the fifth straight season and finished as Runner-Up for the first time since 2005. Head Coach Ana Todorovic and the Mavericks were picked first in the ECC Preseason Poll. Leading the returners for the Mavericks is junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez who was named ECC Setter of the Year and AVCA First Team All-Region in 2024 after recording 1,031 assists, 183 digs and 44 blocks last season. Senior Gabriela Bieniek also returns after being named AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention last year. Bieniek ended the 2024 season with 333 kills, 55 aces and 222 digs. Sophomore Grace Dilena returns after being named ECC Rookie of the Year last season. Dilena finished with 334 kills and 211 digs in 2024. Senior Samantha Cooney is back after posting 122 digs and 10 aces and senior Marichelle Rodriguez returns after recording 17 aces last season. Juniors Mia Illes-Hair and Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes are back after combining for 164 kills and 99 blocks last season. Todorovic will also rely upon freshmen Isabella Brown, Ella Buonauro, Kori Sessions, Sophia Chapman, Kamila Colon Estades and Sophia Stack.
The Mavericks are coming off a 3-0 win over Roberts Wesleyan on Saturday. Mercy was led by senior Gabriela Bieniek who had a match-high 13 kills and by junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez who had a match-high 31 assists. Rivera Rodriguez and Bieniek were named to the ECC Honor Roll last week. Rivera Rodriguez was named ECC Player of the Week on October 20th, freshman Kamila Colon was named Defensive Player of the Week and Dilena was named to the Honor Roll. Bieniek was named ECC Player of the Week on October 13th, junior Mia Illes-Hair was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week and Rivera Rodriguez was named to the Honor Roll. Illes-Hair was named ECC Player of the Week on October 6th, sophomore Grace Dilena was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week and Rivera Rodriguez was named Setter of the Week. Dilena and Rivera Rodriguez were named to the ECC Honor Roll on September 29th. Bieniek and Rivera Rodriguez were named to the ECC Honor Roll on September 22nd. Rivera Rodriguez was named ECC Setter of the Week on September 15th and Bieniek and Dilena were tabbed to the Honor Roll. Bieniek and Rivera Rodriguez were both named to the ECC Honor Roll on September 8th. The Mavericks have been led by Bieniek who has a team-high 254 kills on the year with 115 digs. Bieniek leads the ECC and is ranked No. 13 nationally in kills per set (4.31). Rivera Rodriguez has a team-high 557 assists with a team-high 153 digs and senior Samantha Cooney is third on the team with 134 digs. Dilena is second on the team with 217 kills and 143 digs and Illes-Hair has a team-high 57 blocks. Mercy is 2-8 in their last 10 meetings against AIC. The Mavericks look to beat AIC for the first time since 2023. The Mavericks are off to their best start since 2001 when they started 17-0. With a win, Mercy would have an eight-match winning streak for the first time since 2001.
Scouting the Yellow Jackets
AIC is coming off a 3-1 win against Saint Anselm on Friday. The Yellow Jackets were picked tied for second in the NE10 Preseason Poll after going 21-7 last season, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. AIC has been led by Janelys Perez Cortes who has a team-high 164 kills. Paola Soto Burgos is second on the team with 139 kills and Perla Rosa has a team-high 266 digs. Daniella Russo-Lolas has a team-high 393 assists and Victoria Soto Burgos has a team-high 52 blocks.
Next Game
Mercy plays at D'Youville on Saturday, November 8th at 12 p.m.
