DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a match-high 15 kills from senior Gabriela Bieniek (Rzeszow, Poland/Indian Hills CC), a match-high 35 assists from junior Adriana Rivera Rodriguez (Humacao, Puerto Rico/American International College) and a match-high 12 digs from senior Samantha Cooney (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack), the Mercy University Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-19) win over Caldwell University in their 2025 season opener on Thursday night at the Judge Athletic Center. 

Mercy (1-0) wins its season opener for the first time since 2023 and defeats the Cougars (0-1) for the sixth straight time. 

The Mavericks dominated with a strong attacking performance, totaling 39 kills with a hitting percentage of .302. The home team also excelled at the service line, recording 11 aces.

Mercy started the first set with a powerful showing, highlighted by several key plays from Bieniek and junior Mia Illes-Hair (Lake Worth, Fla./Palm Beach Central). Bieniek was particularly effective at the net, contributing multiple kills and a crucial service ace at 22-12, extending the Mavericks' lead. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offense efficiently, assisting on several plays, including a streak where Mercy scored seven of eight points to pull ahead 19-11. The set concluded decisively with Mercy securing a 25-14 victory, capitalized by a strong defensive block and setting errors from the Cougars.

The second set began with Mercy capitalizing on Caldwell's errors, quickly gaining a 5-1 lead with strong blocking from freshman Sophia Chapman (Jupiter, Fla./Jupiter) and Illes-Hair. Freshman Isabella Brown's (Great Neck, N.Y./John L. Miller Great Neck North) impactful serving extended the Mavericks' advantage, delivering two consecutive aces to elevate the score to 10-3. Bieniek and sophomore Grace Dilena (New York, N.Y./Liberty University Online Academy) consistently found success offensively, each recording multiple kills from sets by Rivera Rodriguez, who tallied numerous assists. Despite a late push from Caldwell, Mercy secured the set 25-19 with a decisive kill by Illes-Hair, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive resilience.

The third set began with a closely contested exchange of points, but Mercy quickly found its stride. Rivera Rodriguez's playmaking was pivotal, consistently setting up her teammates for success, including a key kill by Dilena at 10-6. A stretch of service dominance from Mercy, highlighted by a service ace from Dilena at 13-9, allowed the home team to pull away. In the closing moments, Rivera Rodriguez delivered a service ace at 24-19, and an attack error from Caldwell's Jordan Mack sealed a 25-19 victory for the Mavericks in the set.

Bieniek led the team with 15 kills on 25 attempts, contributing 18.0 points overall. Rivera Rodriguez orchestrated the offense with 35 assists, while Brown excelled from the service line with four aces. Dilena added 11 kills and three service aces, accumulating 14.5 points. Cooney had 12 digs and Illes-Hair had eight kills. 

Schubert-Brown stood out for the Cougars, leading the team with 12 kills and a .375 hitting percentage over three sets, while also contributing five digs and one service ace. Sienna Reddell was instrumental in setting up plays with 11 assists, adding four digs and a service ace. Mack provided additional support with nine assists and two digs, alongside a service ace. These players were integral to Caldwell's performance, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Looking ahead, Mercy will face Pace University at home in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. The game is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9.