Mercy Tops ECC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll as Daemen’s Malpica Named Player of the Year

COLONIA, N.J. – The race for the top of ECC Women’s Volleyball is as tight as it gets — and the stage is set for another thrilling season. The Mercy Mavericks edged out the competition to claim the No. 1 spot in the Preseason Poll, while Daemen’s Nahirka Malpica was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year after a breakout campaign. Malpica has already proven herself as one of the league’s most dynamic talents. The Caguas, Puerto Rico, native earned AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention and First Team All-ECC recognition in 2024, finishing sixth in the conference with 254 kills across just 85 sets. She also added 262 digs (8th in ECC) and ranked sixth in points per set (3.54), making her one of the most well-rounded threats in the league. At the top of the poll, Mercy collected 40 points and two first-place votes. The Mavericks have steadily climbed in recent years, and last fall they delivered a 16-11 record (8-4 ECC), capped by an ECC Championship and an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance. It was the program’s second straight NCAA berth, solidifying Mercy as one of the conference’s rising powers. Just behind them sits D’Youville, earning 38 points and a poll-high three first-place votes. The Saints stunned the league in 2024 with a Cinderella run from the No. 4 seed, knocking off higher-ranked opponents to win the ECC Championship. With a 7-5 conference record and their own NCAA Tournament appearance, D’Youville has proven they can rise to the moment when it matters most. The margin grows even slimmer in third, where Daemen collected 37 points. The Wildcats dominated the 2024 regular season, finishing 17-9 overall and 9-3 in league play to claim the top seed in the ECC Tournament. Daemen led the conference in points (1,795), assists (1,255), and hitting percentage (.262), underscoring the firepower they bring into 2025. Right on their heels, Queens took fourth place with 36 points and two first-place votes. Known for their defensive prowess, the Knights led the ECC in both blocks (228.5) and digs (1,846) last season while making their third straight postseason appearance. Rounding out the poll are Molloy and Roberts Wesleyan, tied for fifth with 19 points apiece, while St. Thomas Aquinas finished seventh with seven points. 2025 ECC Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll 1. Mercy - 40 points (2 first-place votes) 2. D'Youville - 38 points (3 first-place votes) 3. Daemen - 37 points 4. Queens - 36 points (2 first-place votes) T-5. Molloy - 19 points T-5. Roberts Wesleyan - 19 points 7. St. Thomas Aquinas - 7 points
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