GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — Despite a match-high 12 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), the Mercy University Volleyball Team dropped a 3-0 (16-25, 17-25, 16-25) decision at Adelphi University on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks (4-2) see their two-match winning streak come to an end and fall to the Panthers (7-6) for the ninth straight time.
The first set began with Mercy initiating the serve, but Adelphi quickly capitalized on an attack error to gain the first point. Mercy managed to keep the score close early on with a service error by Adelphi and a kill from junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central), narrowing the deficit to 3-2. Despite efforts from Bieniek and sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy), who each contributed with kills, Adelphi maintained a lead through consistent scoring.
Mercy showed resilience with junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) delivering a kill and a service ace, keeping the score within reach at 19-13. However, Adelphi's offensive pressure, including multiple service aces, extended their advantage. The set concluded with Adelphi securing a 25-16 win, despite Mercy's attempts to close the gap.
Mercy opened the second set with an early lead, capitalizing on three Adelphi service errors to gain momentum. Bieniek made a significant contribution with multiple kills, supported by assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College). Mercy maintained a close battle early, closing the gap at times but unable to sustain a lead.
Despite strong efforts, including a kill by Illes-Hair and defensive efforts from freshman Sophia Stack (Louisville, Colo./Monarch), Mercy faced challenges mid-set. Adelphi's Elena Covic and Macarty McQueen exploited a series of attack errors to extend their advantage, pushing the score further in their favor.
As the set progressed, Mercy responded with late points from Rodriguez Fuentes and Bieniek, cutting into the deficit. However, Adelphi's steady play and capitalizing on errors allowed them to secure the set, finishing with a 25-17 advantage over Mercy.
Mercy began the third set trailing early as Adelphi quickly established a 5-0 lead with effective plays from Mackenzie Casey and McQueen. Mercy responded with a series of points led by Illes-Hair and Bieniek, tying the score at 6-6 through a combination of kills and a service ace by senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack).
Despite Mercy's efforts, Adelphi regained their momentum, extending their lead with a mix of kills and a service ace, which brought the score to 14-10. Mercy continued to fight back, highlighted by Bieniek's consistent performance, but Adelphi's consistent pressure allowed them to maintain an advantage.
In the closing stages, Mercy attempted another rally with contributions from Rodriguez Fuentes and Dilena. However, a final kill by Madeleine Chaapel secured the set for Adelphi at 25-16, giving the Panthers the 3-0 win.
Bieniek led the Mavericks with 12 kills on 31 attempts. Rivera Rodriguez posted 20 assists, facilitating the team's offensive efforts while also adding seven digs and two blocks. Dilena recorded six kills and eight digs, providing a balanced performance both offensively and defensively. Rodriguez Fuentes added four kills and an ace and freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) had seven digs.
Westerich stood out for the Panthers with 31 assists and five service aces across three sets, showcasing her dual-threat capability. Autumn Moore served as a defensive anchor, leading the team with 18 digs, while contributing two assists and a service ace. McQueen provided offensive power with nine kills and a .368 hitting percentage, adding seven digs and two service aces to her performance.
Mercy hit .067 with 27 kills, 34 digs, two aces and three blocks. Adelphi hit .301 with 36 kills, 38 digs, 11 aces and three blocks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will travel to Rochester, N.Y., for their next match against Roberts Wesleyan University in their ECC opener. The match is set for noon on Saturday, September 27.
