AMHERST, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high-tying 14 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy), a match-high 30 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) and a match-high 12 digs from freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-19) win at ECC foe Daemen University on Sunday afternoon at Lumsden Gymnasium.

The Mavericks (16-4, 9-1 ECC) have won nine of their last 10 matches and match their win total from last year. Mercy wins at Daemen (11-13, 7-4 ECC) for the first time in program history and sweeps the season series with the Wildcats for the first time.

Mercy started the first set with a strong offensive display, establishing an early lead through effective kills by Dilena and junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central), assisted by Rivera Rodriguez. The Mavericks capitalized on a series of attack errors from the Wildcats, extending their advantage to 6-1.

Continuing their momentum, Mercy maintained pressure with a series of successful plays, including a notable block by Dilena and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey), which contributed to a 12-4 lead. Despite a brief surge from Daemen, Mercy's offense, with contributions from Bieniek and Rivera Rodriguez, sustained their lead, pushing the score to 20-11.

The Wildcats attempted a comeback with a series of service aces, narrowing the gap to 23-18. However, Mercy secured the set with a final kill by Dilena, winning 25-21.

Mercy began the second set by quickly equalizing at 1-1 with a kill from Illes-Hair, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez. Bieniek contributed a kill shortly after, pushing Mercy ahead. Despite an initial back-and-forth, Mercy capitalized on Daemen's errors, with Payton Gaylor committing multiple attack faults, allowing Mercy to rally to a 10-7 lead.

As the set progressed, Mercy maintained their advantage with solid performances from Rivera Rodriguez and Bieniek, who combined for key kills, extending the margin to 17-12. Freshman Isabella Brown's (New York, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) service ace further widened the gap, and Dilena added a kill to bolster the lead.

Daemen managed a late surge, tying the score at 22-22 following a service ace and a series of attack errors from Mercy. However, Mercy regained control as freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche) secured a decisive point, and Illes-Hair's block on Keira Mullen sealed the set at 25-23.

The third set commenced with Mercy establishing early momentum as Illes-Hair delivered a kill, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez. Bieniek and Dilena contributed significantly, with Bieniek's kills and a block alongside Rodriguez Fuentes and Dilena, widening the Mavericks' lead.

Mercy maintained pressure with a series of scoring plays, including a run that stretched the lead to 10-6. Despite Daemen's attempts to close the gap with a few counterattacks, Mercy's consistent offensive execution, highlighted by further kills from Dilena and a service ace by Bieniek, extended their advantage to 18-15.

Mercy continued to capitalize on Daemen's errors and maintained control with consistent contributions from Dilena and Illes-Hair. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Bieniek, sealing a 25-19 victory for Mercy.

Dilena led the Mavericks with 14 kills and added two blocks. Bieniek matched Dilena's offensive output by also recording 14 kills and contributing 8 digs. Rivera Rodriguez directed the offense with 30 assists while also adding two kills. Illes-Hair contributed eight kills and three total blocks and Colon had 12 digs.

Keira Mullen led the Wildcats, contributing significantly with nine kills on 25 attempts while adding three service aces. Her defensive efforts included six digs and three total blocks. Nahirka Malpica added to the team's performance with eight kills and 10 digs, while also securing a service ace. Avery Dole played a crucial role in setting, dishing out 17 assists and adding a service ace to the team's tally.

Mercy hit .250 with 42 kills, 40 digs, three aces and seven blocks. Daemen hit .098 with 34 kills, 36 digs, six aces and 11 blocks.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host Queens College on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.