DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a double-double from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) and a match-high 14 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-12) win over Southern Connecticut State University on Tuesday night at the Judge Athletic Center.
The Mavericks (3-1) start 3-1 for the second straight year and defeat the Owls (4-2) for the fourth straight time.
The Mavericks capitalized on a strong serving performance with 10 aces, overcoming Southern Connecticut State's defensive efforts. The match saw a pivotal opening set where Mercy edged out a 26-24 victory, setting the tone for their decisive win.
The first set opened with a thrilling back-and-forth as Mercy faced Southern Connecticut State, with neither team able to secure a decisive lead. Rivera Rodriguez set the tone early with a series of crucial assists, including a key setup for Dilena's kill that tied the set at 18-18, as the Mavericks fought to keep pace. The set remained tightly contested until a late surge, highlighted by junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes' (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) block at 24-23, shifted momentum in favor of the Mavericks, who secured the set 26-24 with a service ace from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC).
Mercy opened the second set on a strong note with Bieniek consistently finding success, recording multiple kills with assists from Rivera Rodriguez. A pivotal stretch came when Dilena delivered two service aces and capitalized on Southern Connecticut State errors, extending Mercy's lead to 15-8. Despite some pushback from Southern Connecticut State late in the set, Mercy sealed the set 25-17 as Dilena ended with a decisive kill, assisted again by Rivera Rodriguez.
Mercy began the third set with strong play, as Rivera Rodriguez delivered a service ace to set the tone early. The team capitalized on their momentum with a series of key plays, including a kill from junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) at 15-9, assisted by Rivera Rodriguez, who was instrumental throughout the set with multiple assists. Bieniek's performance was pivotal, contributing several kills, including the decisive point at 25-12, as Mercy sealed the set with a confident victory.
Dilena had a match-high 14 kills and four aces to go with seven digs. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offense with a match-high 30 assists and bolstered the defense with a match-high 11 digs. Illes-Hair posted five kills and was effective at the net with two block assists. Bieniek added 11 kills to her team's efforts and recorded two aces during the match. Freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) added a career-high nine digs and freshman Isabella Brown (Great Neck, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) had five digs.
Henault was a standout for the Owls, leading the team with eight digs across three games while also contributing two service aces. Roar provided a solid performance, delivering nine assists and six digs, showcasing her dual threat on both setting and defense. Sydney Bennett made a notable impact at the net with three total blocks and added two kills, accumulating four points for the team. Aleciyah Brodley distinguished herself with a perfect hitting percentage, converting her only attack into a kill.
Mercy hit .151 with 35 kills, 44 digs, 10 aces and seven blocks. Southern Connecticut State hit -.079 with 15 kills, 32 digs, six aces and four blocks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will face Felician University on Friday, Sept. 19, in Rutherford, N.J. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. as Mercy takes on their next challenge on the road.
