ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 22 kills from sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) and a match-high 38 assists and 13 digs from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College), the Mercy University Volleyball Team opened ECC play with a 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) win at Roberts Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon at the Voller Athletic Center.

The Mavericks (5-2, 1-0 ECC) win their ECC opener for the first time since 2023 and win at the Redhawks (0-13, 0-1 ECC) for the seventh straight time.

Mercy began the first set with a strong defensive presence, capitalizing on Roberts Wesleyan's early service errors to keep the score tight. Senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC) and junior Janneliz Rodriguez Fuentes (Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristo Rey) delivered a key block, leveling the score at 4-4. Bieniek's subsequent kill pushed Mercy ahead, setting the stage for a competitive set.

Momentum shifted decisively in Mercy's favor as the team executed a series of successful plays, including a kill by junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central) and an ace from Dilena. With consistent setup by Rivera Rodriguez, Mercy built a 16-11 advantage. The set concluded with Dilena's impactful performance, securing the final points with consecutive kills, leading Mercy to a 25-20 victory.

In the second set, Mercy initially kept pace with Roberts Wesleyan, highlighted by effective plays from Bieniek and defensive stops from Illes-Hair. A significant defensive stand, including blocks from Illes-Hair and freshman Kori Sessions (Spring, Texas/Carl Wunsche), allowed Mercy to pull ahead at 10-8. However, the momentum shifted as Mercy faced a sequence of errors, enabling the Redhawks to regain the lead.

Dilena's consistent attacking, including multiple kills, kept Mercy competitive, tying the score at 18-18. Despite this effort, Roberts Wesleyan capitalized on a late run, benefiting from a series of Mercy errors and strong plays by Ryan Hull and Olivia Price. The set concluded with Roberts Wesleyan securing a 25-20 victory, closing the frame on two consecutive points.

Mercy began the third set capitalizing on Roberts Wesleyan's early service error to take the lead. A service ace by Dilena extended the advantage, establishing a 2-0 start. Mercy's defensive efforts were highlighted by blocks from Rodriguez Fuentes and Bieniek, which contributed to an early 6-3 lead.

As the set progressed, Mercy's offensive momentum was maintained by successive kills from Illes-Hair and Dilena, widening the gap to 11-6. Rivera Rodriguez's consistent setting facilitated a key stretch where Mercy built the score to 14-8.

Mercy closed the set effectively, with Dilena leading the attack with multiple kills, while Bieniek contributed a service ace. Despite a brief push from the Redhawks, Mercy maintained control and concluded the set with a 25-18 victory, securing the set.

Mercy began the fourth set trailing but quickly gained momentum with a balanced attack. Bieniek's kill tied the score at 2-2, and freshman Isabella Brown's (Great Neck, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) service ace helped Mercy pull ahead 5-4. A series of blocks, including one from Illes-Hair and Rivera Rodriguez, extended Mercy's lead to 10-6.

As the set progressed, Dilena continued to shine, delivering crucial kills and contributing to a 19-15 advantage. Rodriguez Fuentes added a service ace, while Sessions' block maintained the margin. Despite a late push from Roberts Wesleyan, including an ace by Morgan Verbridge, Mercy secured the set with a final kill by Bieniek, closing it out 25-21.

Dilena led the Mavericks with a season-high 22 kills to go with seven digs, three blocks and three aces. Rivera Rodriguez contributed significantly by recording 38 assists and collecting 13 digs. Illes-Hair dominated at the net with eight total blocks while also adding seven kills. Rodriguez Fuentes added to the defensive effort with six total blocks and one service ace. Bieniek added 12 kills and Sessions had a career-high six kills with four blocks and six digs. Senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) and freshman Kamila Colon (Caguas, Puerto Rico/Colegio Catolico Notre Dame) both had nine digs.

Olivia Price led the Redhawks, featuring nine kills and two blocks across four sets, while also contributing eight digs. Camryn Karelus had a team-high 11 kills. Sierra George was pivotal in setting, amassing 29 assists and adding a block assist. Morgan Verbridge showcased efficiency with a .417 hitting percentage, recording six kills and three block assists.

Mercy hit .263 with 52 kills, 58 digs, seven aces and 16 blocks and Roberts Wesleyan hit .137 with 41 kills, 45 digs, 10 aces and six blocks.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will travel to Sparkill, N.Y., to face St. Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m.