DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Mercy University (8-3, 3-0 ECC) defeated D'Youville University (4-11, 1-3 ECC) in straight sets at the Neil Judge Student Athlete Center on Saturday, finishing with scores of 25-11, 25-19, 25-15.

D'Youville opened the first set with Madeline O'Brien delivering a kill to put the team on the scoreboard at 3-1. Despite Mercy's early momentum, Gabrielle Dials and Giselle Ramirez added crucial kills, while O'Brien contributed with back-to-back service aces to narrow the gap to 8-6.

Mercy responded with a series of successful blocks and kills, gradually extending their lead. Cameron Ulinski and Alina Bertens-Deckart combined for key plays, including a service ace from Bertens Deckart that brought D'Youville within one point at 11-10. However, Mercy capitalized on errors and maintained control, closing the set at 25-11.

In the second set, D'Youville began with a brief advantage after an attack error by Mercy's Mia Illes-Hair. Ulinski and O'Brien both recorded early kills, keeping the score tight at 4-4. Despite efforts from D'Youville, including a service ace by Ulinski, Mercy's Gabriela Bieniek led a scoring surge, including two aces, pushing their lead to 9-5.

The Saints fought back with kills from Isabelle Prentice and Maddie Boglev, narrowing the gap to 12-10. However, Mercy capitalized on several D'Youville errors to stretch their advantage. While Ramirez and Dials made late contributions, Mercy closed the set at 25-19 with a service error from D'Youville sealing the outcome.

In the third set, D'Youville aimed to shift momentum but faced consistent challenges against Mercy's offensive execution. Despite early efforts, including a kill by O'Brien, the team struggled to close the gap as Mercy capitalized on key plays from Grace Dilena and Bieniek.

The Spartans responded with a service ace from Bertens-Deckart and timely kills by Ulinski and Boglev, but service errors hindered sustained runs. Mercy maintained control, closing the set with a 25-15 advantage, extending their lead in the match.

O'Brien recorded six kills on 17 attempts and added two aces in three games. Bertens-Deckart led the team with 14 assists over three games and contributed two aces. Ulinski matched O'Brien with six kills on 17 attempts and added one ace. Ramirez provided three kills and one block in her three-game performance.

The Saints will have a quick turnaround as they face St. Thomas Aquinas College tomorrow at 12 p.m.