Mercado’s consistent play helped Sacred Heart open the conference slate 2-0, sweeping Saint Francis U (3-0) and Robert Morris (3-0), both NEC Tournament participants a year ago. Mercado posted 24 kills, averaging 4.00 kills per set, while hitting .355 in the two matches. A former libero, Mercado sprawled for 28 digs or 4.83 per set. Against Robert Morris, Mercado registered a team-high 14 kills and 18 digs for her fourth double-double of the season. This marks Mercado’s second Molten/NEC Player of the Week honor this season.