BUFFALO, N.Y. — Despite double-digit kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy), the Mercy University Volleyball Team dropped a 3-2 (23-25, 17-25, 25-22, 25-18, 8-15) decision at ECC foe D'Youville University on Saturday afternoon.
The Mavericks (15-4, 8-1 ECC) see their eight-match winning streak come to an end and suffer their first ECC loss of the season. The Saints (8-15, 3-7 ECC) defeat Mercy at home for the third straight year.
Mercy opened the first set with an early lead, capitalizing on an attack error by Cameron Ulinski. A service error from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) briefly tied the game, but Mercy regained momentum with a kill by Bieniek, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, and an attack error from D'Youville's Madeline O'Brien, establishing a 4-2 lead. Mercy maintained their edge as junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) recorded a kill to make it 5-3, followed by a service ace from Bieniek to extend the lead to 11-7. The Saints responded with consistent play, managing to tie the score at 12-12 after a service ace and a successful block. In a tight finish, junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) secured a kill to bring Mercy within one point at 24-23. However, O'Brien delivered the final point, closing the set with a 25-23 win for the Saints.
Mercy entered the second set aiming to build on their previous efforts. An early kill by freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche), assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, quickly evened the score at 1-1, setting a competitive tone. Bieniek and Rodriguez Fuentes combined effectively for a block, briefly giving Mercy a 3-2 lead. However, D'Youville responded with a series of successful plays, including kills from Giselle Ramirez and Ulinski, to reclaim the lead. Mercy fought back with a service ace from freshman Sophia Chapman (Jupiter, Fla./Jupiter), narrowing the gap to 14-13. Despite rallying to tie the set at 15-15 following an attack error by O'Brien, D'Youville capitalized on a strong service run by Angelyn Jaramillo, pulling ahead with a decisive stretch that included multiple service aces. The Mavericks managed to score late with another kill from Sessions, but D'Youville closed out the set with a 25-17 victory.
Mercy began the third set with momentum, quickly gaining the first point through a kill by Illes-Hair, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez. Despite an early exchange of points, Mercy faced a challenge as D'Youville built a lead at 8-3. However, a turning point occurred as Mercy capitalized on multiple attack errors from D'Youville, alongside kills from Rodriguez Fuentes and Dilena, to claim a 16-9 advantage. Mercy continued to press their advantage, with Dilena contributing crucial kills to extend the lead. D'Youville attempted a comeback with a series of service aces and kills, closing the gap to 19-16. Nonetheless, Mercy maintained composure, responding with decisive blocks and kills, including a critical block by Sessions and Illes-Hair, to reach a 23-20 lead. As the set drew to a close, Mercy secured the final points with kills from Illes-Hair and Bieniek. The set concluded with Mercy securing a 25-22 victory, maintaining their edge throughout the final exchanges.
Mercy opened the fourth set with a significant momentum shift, overcoming an early tie to establish dominance. Bieniek delivered crucial kills, supported by Rivera Rodriguez's assists. A service ace from Rodriguez Fuentes contributed to maintaining a tight score. Midway through, Mercy capitalized on errors from D'Youville, with Bieniek and Rodriguez Fuentes delivering key blocks and kills. Freshman Kamila Colon's (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) service aces widened the gap, pushing the score to 21-10, demonstrating effective teamwork and strategic plays. As the set closed, Mercy sustained their lead despite a late push from D'Youville. Bieniek's consistent performance, along with Dilena's final kill, sealed the set at 25-18, concluding with a decisive victory.
In the decisive fifth set, Mercy faced D'Youville with the tension high as both teams vied for control. Bieniek and Rodriguez Fuentes each tallied crucial early kills, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, to keep the score close at 2-2. However, D'Youville surged ahead with a series of points, including a service ace and multiple kills, stretching their lead to 9-3. Dilena and Bieniek responded with timely kills, narrowing the gap, but D'Youville maintained their momentum. Despite Dilena's block and kill contributions, Mercy struggled to close the deficit. D'Youville capitalized on Mercy's attack errors and closed the set at 15-8, securing the match victory.
Bieniek led the team with 15 kills and added a service ace. Rodriguez Fuentes excelled at the net with five total blocks while also posting six kills and five digs. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offensive play with 26 assists and contributed defensively with seven digs. Colon was a defensive standout, recording a team-high and career-high 15 digs over the course of the match. Dilena finished with 12 kills and seven digs and Illes-Hair had six kills and three blocks.
O'Brien emerged as a key player for D'Youville, contributing 18 kills. Ulinski also demonstrated offensive strength with 21 kills. Ramirez was pivotal at the net, recording six total blocks, including one solo block. Angelyn Jaramillo provided defensive support with 17 digs and excelled in serving, delivering five service aces.
Mercy hit .188 with 43 kills, 49 digs, six aces and 11 blocks. D'Youville hit .159 with 60 kills, 62 digs, 14 aces and nine blocks.
Looking ahead, Mercy will face Daemen University (N.Y.) on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. as the away team in Amherst, New York.
