DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a double-double from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), a match-high 15 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a match-high 36 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-1 (26-24, 25-19, 20-25, 25-18) win over American International College on Tuesday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (15-3) have won eight matches in a row for the first time since 2001 and defeat the Yellow Jackets (13-6) for the first time since 2023.
Mercy began the first set by exchanging points with American International, with both teams capitalizing on attack errors and service faults. Notably, junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) and Bieniek combined for an early block that helped Mercy gain a slight edge. The teams continued to trade leads, with Dilena delivering crucial kills, supported by assists from Rivera Rodriguez.
As the set progressed, Mercy managed to create separation with a series of well-timed service aces, including one from Bieniek. The team capitalized on errors by American International, extending their lead to 20-17. Despite a late rally by the visitors, which tied the score at 24-24, Mercy secured the set with decisive blocks by freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) and Illes-Hair, closing it out 26-24.
Mercy began the second set with a key service ace from Dilena, quickly establishing an early lead. Senior Samantha Cooney's (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) presence was impactful as Mercy capitalized on an AIC service error to maintain momentum. A series of kills from Bieniek, supported by Rivera Rodriguez's assists, allowed Mercy to extend their advantage to 9-5.
As the set progressed, AIC briefly tied the score at 10-10, but Mercy responded with a decisive surge. Bieniek delivered a series of kills and service aces, pushing Mercy ahead. Rivera Rodriguez's consistent setup play was pivotal, keeping Mercy in control.
Mercy closed the set with a commanding 25-19 finish, highlighted by a service ace from Rivera Rodriguez, effectively sealing the set.
Mercy began the third set with a strong start, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead with contributions from Rivera Rodriguez, who delivered a service ace and assisted Sessions for a kill. Mercy maintained a slim advantage early, capitalizing on errors from American International.
As the set progressed, Mercy faced a series of challenges, with American International tying the score and then taking control with a 7-0 run. Mercy's defense, highlighted by blocks from Illes-Hair and Dilena, managed to slow the opposing momentum temporarily.
Despite a late push by Mercy, with Bieniek and Dilena providing crucial kills, American International closed out the set 25-20. Mercy looked to regroup and capitalize on their early successes in future sets.
After a brief exchange of points in the fourth set, Mercy faced an early deficit but responded with a sequence of successful plays. Bieniek contributed with multiple kills and aces, while Rivera Rodriguez provided crucial assists, leveling the score at 7-7.
As the set progressed, Mercy seized control through a significant 9-1 run, highlighted by effective blocking from Illes-Hair and Rivera Rodriguez. This momentum shift allowed Mercy to open a 12-8 advantage. Despite a few setbacks, including timely kills by AIC, Mercy maintained their lead through strategic plays and took advantage of several opponent errors.
Closing the set, Mercy extended their lead further, driven by Dilena's final kill and a service ace from junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey). This decisive run culminated in a 25-18 victory for Mercy, winning the match in four sets.
Bieniek led Mercy with 13 kills and a team-high 10 digs to go with a team-high seven aces. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offense effectively, recording 36 assists along with nine digs. Rodriguez Fuentes contributed significantly at the service line with four aces, while also adding four kills and two blocks. Dilena added 15 kills to the team's effort and freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) had eight digs.
Perla Rosa stood out for American International with four service aces, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Janelys Perez Cortes led the attack with 11 kills and added two blocks. Carissa Michel was also influential, recording eight kills and leading the team with a .278 hitting percentage.
Mercy hit .142 with 43 kills, 47 digs, 15 aces and 11 blocks. AIC hit .147 with 40 kills, 46 digs, 10 aces and 10 blocks.
The next challenge for Mercy is a matchup against D'Youville University. The game is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at noon in Buffalo, New York.
