Daaaa Cougs! Chicago State Just One Win Away From The #1 Seed
Chicago State's volleyball team continued their dominant run through the Northeast Conference, sweeping Mercyhurst for the second time in as many days. With Saturday’s 25-16, 25-10, 25-18 victory, the Cougars moved to 11-1 in conference play, solidifying their place atop the NEC standings. If they secure just one win in their final regular-season series against Saint Francis (10-2 NEC), Chicago State will clinch the top seed in the NEC Tournament, setting up a potential home-court advantage for the playoffs.
In Saturday’s match, the Cougars showcased a balanced and relentless attack. Karly Klaer led the offense with a match-high 14 kills, while Patrycja Lagida contributed eight. Setter Wiktoria Zagumny kept the offense flowing with 30 assists, and Julieta Sandez fortified the defense with five blocks.
The match held special significance for seniors Andrea Calderon and Berenice Almeyda, who were honored in their final regular-season home game. Calderon topped the match in digs with 14, while Almeyda tallied six kills and two blocks, leaving an impressive mark in their JDC sendoff.
The Cougars will travel to face Saint Francis in a high-stakes two-game series next Friday and Saturday. With the magic number at one, Chicago State is in a prime position to bring the NEC Tournament to the Windy City. Hosting would not only grant a competitive edge but also place the conference’s top teams in Chicago’s challenging environment, where the Cougars have excelled all season.
A first-place finish would cap off an impressive season and position Chicago State as favorites to secure the NEC championship on their home court.
Women’s Volleyball Week 10 Power Rankings
Chicago State (13-9, 9-1 NEC) Chicago State claims the top spot after splitting a double-header against FDU, winning the first match in four sets before falling in the rematch. Their 9-1 conference record is the best in the NEC, and their consistent dominance keeps them in front as we approach the NEC Tournament. With Julieta Sandez and Wiktoria Zagumny leading the charge, the Cougars are well-positioned for a top seed, and they’ll look to rebound from their loss as they finish the season strong.
Saint Francis (12-10, 8-2 NEC) Saint Francis had a successful weekend, defeating Stonehill twice without much trouble. Their three-match win streak has helped them stay in contention for the top seed, and their dominant play at home has been a key factor in their success. Korrin Burns and Maggie Hogan continue to be instrumental, and SFU's consistent play has them peaking at the right time. With an 8-2 record, they are poised to make a deep tournament run.
FDU (18-7, 8-2 NEC) FDU’s split with Chicago State solidifies their place among the top teams. The Knights showed resilience, bouncing back in their second matchup against the Cougars, securing a much-needed win to remain in the hunt for the top spot. Kylie Nott and Hannah Schmidt have been standout players, and with Avery Bain stepping up, FDU’s depth makes them a formidable contender as they prepare for tournament play.
LIU (12-15, 7-3 NEC) LIU extends its winning streak to nine with victories over Mercyhurst and Albany, showcasing their improving form. Alasha Colon’s defensive leadership has been a catalyst, and the Sharks are becoming a dangerous team as they head into the NEC Tournament. Currently sitting fourth, they’ve proven they can compete with the top teams and have momentum on their side as they push for an upset in the postseason.
Le Moyne (4-17, 3-7 NEC) Le Moyne moves up in the rankings after back-to-back wins over Central Connecticut, pulling themselves out of the bottom spot. Anaya Rawlinson’s performances have sparked some life into the Dolphins’ season. Although their tournament hopes are slim, they’ve shown growth and resilience, making them a potential spoiler for teams vying for higher seeds.
Stonehill (6-16, 2-8 NEC) Stonehill’s seven-match losing streak continues after being swept twice by Saint Francis. Abby Farrell has been a bright spot, but the Skyhawks have struggled to find consistency. With limited chances left, Stonehill is focusing on ending the season on a positive note while building a foundation for next year.
Mercyhurst (3-17, 2-8 NEC) Mercyhurst falls in the rankings after two consecutive losses to LIU. Paige Miller continues to be a key player, but the Lakers have struggled to find their footing in NEC play. As their first season winds down, they’ll look to develop chemistry and prepare for future NEC competition.
Central Connecticut (3-19, 1-9 NEC) CCSU’s difficult season continued with two losses to Le Moyne. While they showed fight in each match, offensive struggles remain a challenge. Their young squad is gaining valuable experience, and they’ll look to build on the season’s lessons moving forward.
Final Thoughts
With Chicago State, FDU, Saint Francis, and LIU clinching NEC Tournament berths, the stage is nearly set for a competitive postseason. Chicago State and FDU’s showdown offered a preview of a potential tournament matchup, while Saint Francis and LIU are hitting their stride as the season winds down. The final weeks will determine seeding, with each top team aiming for momentum heading into the tournament.
Week 9 NEC Blitz Volleyball Power Rankings
1. Saint Francis (10-10, 6-2 NEC)
Saint Francis vaults to the top spot after a huge win over FDU in four sets, snapping the Knights’ 13-game winning streak. Korrin Burns and Maggie Hogan continue to dominate offensively, and their defense came up big when it mattered most. With the victory, SFU now holds the tiebreaker over FDU for the top spot in the tournament seeding, making this a monumental win for the Red Flash. They have been nearly unbeatable at home, and this win further solidifies their dominance in Loretto.
2. FDU (17-6, 7-1 NEC)
FDU slips to second after their thrilling four-set loss to Saint Francis. While the Knights beat SFU on Friday in five sets, the Red Flash’s victory on Saturday gives them the edge in head-to-head competition. The Knights still boast one of the best rosters in the conference, with Kylie Nott and Hannah Schmidt leading the charge, but they’ll need to regroup quickly. With a 13-game winning streak now in the rearview, FDU remains a top contender, and their upcoming matchup with Chicago State will be a key test. On the plus side, if they get more performances like we saw on Saturday out of Avery Bain, there’s no doubt that the Knights will be the team to beat in the conference tournament.
3. Chicago State (12-8, 8-0 NEC)
Chicago State somehow drops down to third, still unbeaten in conference play. While they’ve dominated every NEC opponent so far, the real test will come when they face FDU this weekend. Julieta Sandez and Wiktoria Zagumny continue to shine, but we’re waiting to see how the Cougars handle FDU’s firepower. For now, they sit just behind the top two, but a win against the Knights would push them up the rankings- and a sweep would catapult them into first place. We love Chicago State, and I think placing them at third is a little unfair, but after the clash of the titans we saw this weekend between Saint Francis and FDU, we just need to see how Chicago State handles FDU on their own big stage.
4. LIU (9-15, 5-3 NEC)
LIU’s six-match win streak keeps them in fourth place after sweeping Le Moyne. The Sharks are finding their rhythm at the right time, and with Alasha Colon leading the defense, they’ve been a tough team to beat recently. Their steady improvement makes them a dangerous team heading into the final stretch of the season.
5. Mercyhurst (3-15, 2-6 NEC)
Mercyhurst moves up after splitting their weekend series with Central Connecticut. The Lakers showed won their first match against CCSU in four sets before falling in a tough five-set battle the next day. Paige Miller remains a key player for Mercyhurst, and the team continues to show flashes of potential in their first NEC season.
6. Central Connecticut (3-17, 1-7 NEC)
CCSU also moves up a spot after their split with Mercyhurst. While they lost in four sets on Friday, the Blue Devils bounced back with a five-set win on Saturday. They’ve struggled throughout the season but showed some grit in their win, which could be a building block for the rest of the season.
7. Stonehill (6-14, 2-6 NEC)
Stonehill drops to seventh after getting swept by Chicago State. The Skyhawks have been on a rough stretch, now having lost five straight matches. Despite strong performances from Abby Farrell, the team hasn’t been able to put it all together. They’ll need to find a way to stop the skid as they head into the final weeks of the season.
8. Le Moyne (2-17, 1-7 NEC)
Le Moyne remains at the bottom after being swept by LIU. The Dolphins have struggled to find consistency, and their young team is continuing to build experience. Players like Anaya Rawlinson have shown promise, but they’re still searching for wins as they work toward laying a foundation for future success.
Final Thoughts:
Saint Francis and FDU’s thrilling weekend showdown shook up the top of the rankings, with the Red Flash taking the lead thanks to their head-to-head victory in four sets with their loss coming in five. Chicago State continues to loom as an undefeated powerhouse, but their upcoming match against FDU will give us a clearer picture of how they stack up. Meanwhile, LIU is surging, and Mercyhurst and CCSU are battling for position in the middle of the standings as Stonehill and Le Moyne look for ways to finish the season strong. It’s starting to look like we may know the four teams who’ll compete in the conference tournament this season, but seeding is still very much up in the air.
Red Flash Snap FDU’s 13 Game Winning Streak in 4 Sets
In a match where every point felt like a battle, the FDU Knights dropped their first NEC game of the season to the Saint Francis Red Flash in a four-set thriller (25-17, 18-25, 25-18, 30-28). The loss snaps FDU’s impressive 13-match win streak, but the Knights didn’t go down without leaving it all on the court in the intense environment of DeGol Arena. The intensity was brought by the fans, some attending because of the significance of the game as the “Dig Pink” game, but also by the benches of both squads. In particular, FDU’s bench was the loudest I can ever remember hearing (that’s a compliment) but the gamesmanship from both sides during services added energy to the match that just doesn’t translate over the airwaves.
Let’s talk about the numbers—the ones that added up to a night of drama, excitement, and ultimately, FDU’s first conference defeat. From the start, FDU and Saint Francis were locked in a high-octane battle that showcased why both teams sit near the top of the NEC standings. The intensity in DeGol Arena was palpable, with fans on the edge of their seats, feeling the gravity of every set.
- 16: FDU’s Avery Bain led all players with 16 kills, delivering a consistent offensive performance that kept her team in the match. She was the Knights' go-to hitter, showing her ability to rise to the occasion in key moments. She also looked the part of the heart and soul of the FDU team, being a vocal leader in the huddle and pregame.
- 13: Red Flash setter Alexandra Sappia dished out an incredible 53 assists, setting a new career-high, while Saint Francis’ defense was anchored by Raegan Rosi, who led the team with 13 digs.
- 30-28: The fourth set was a heart-stopper, with both teams exchanging blows and pushing the game to its absolute limit. FDU had opportunities to extend the match, but every time the Red Flash found an answer, especially on the final match point.
For FDU, tonight’s match marked their first NEC loss of the season, falling to 7-1 in conference play. The loss wasn’t without its positives, however, as senior setter Hannah Schmidt reached a career milestone, logging her 2,500th career assist in the match. Schmidt, alongside freshman standout Angela Marchetto, helped drive the Knights' offense. Marchetto was nearly flawless, tallying 9 kills on 13 attempts with zero errors, finishing the match with a stunning .692 hitting percentage.
But the numbers alone don’t capture the heart of this match. The energy and tension inside DeGol Arena were electric, with every serve, block, and dig greeted by roars from the Red Flash faithful. It was a perfect setting to snap FDU’s win streak—and the Knights, to their credit, battled to the very end, showing exactly why they’ve been so dominant this season.
The fourth set is one I will remember for a long time. With FDU leading 25-24, they were on the brink of pushing the match to a fifth set. Laney Wilson’s attack for Saint Francis was initially defended by FDU, but the ball slipped out of bounds, tying the set at 25-25.
From there, the set became a back-and-forth duel. Avery Bain delivered a clutch kill to give FDU set point at 26-25, but Saint Francis’ Korrin Burns had other plans. Burns not only saved the set with a kill but also provided a crucial block with teammate Drew Wallech to take the lead 29-28. With the fans on their feet, the reserves standing, shouting, and cheering, and both teams pushing their limits, McClure fired a shot that landed on the Knights' side, securing the win for Saint Francis.
For those who have never experienced NEC volleyball, matches like these are a testament to the intensity and importance of the sport. These aren’t just regular games for the athletes involved. These are scholarship athletes, giving everything they’ve got for their universities, their teammates, and their communities. The dedication and resilience on display in a match like this are a reminder that, despite the big business of college sports, moments like these are at the heart of what it means to be a part of a university community.
Saint Francis proved tonight that they can rise to the occasion, while FDU showed they are still a force to be reckoned with in the NEC. The numbers may say that FDU lost 3-1, but it was the tight-knit competition and the relentless determination from both teams that defined this match.
NEC Blitz Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 8
1. FDU (16-5, 6-0 NEC)
The FDU Knights are still unstoppable, extending their winning streak to an amazing 12 matches and maintaining a perfect conference record. Led by the consistency of players like Kylie Nott and Hannah Schmidt, the Knights continue to dominate. However, teams are starting to challenge FDU, drawing them into longer games. They’ll need to stay sharp as the competition heats up with a massive showdown at Saint Francis looming this weekend. NEC Blitz will be ON SITE for that matchup, and the stakes couldn't be higher as SFU looks to defend their undefeated home record against a Knights squad already eyeing the NCAA Tournament.
2. Chicago State (10-8, 6-0 NEC)
DAAAAAA COOOUGS! The Cougars are matching FDU stride-for-stride, remaining unbeaten in conference play. Julieta Sandez has been phenomenal, leading the league in hitting percentage (.374), and Wiktoria Zagumny’s stellar setting (9.11 assists per set) has kept Chicago State’s offense humming. Chicago State looks like they’re on a collision course with FDU for the regular-season title, but until that anticipated November showdown, they’ll keep dominating whoever comes their way.
3. Saint Francis (9-9, 5-1 NEC)
The Red Flash are peaking at the perfect time, riding a five-match win streak into their high-stakes battle with FDU this Saturday. They’ve only lost one conference game, on the road to a feisty Long Island team that has also been charging up the rankings. Korrin Burns and Maggie Hogan are leading the charge, both ranking among the NEC’s top offensive players. With an undefeated record at home, SFU has been impossible to beat in Loretto, and they’ll be ready to challenge the top-ranked Knights this weekend for their annual Dig Pink game. This is the game that could truly shake up the conference standings, and it’s the one you won’t want to miss! It’ll be on NEC Front Row, and I’m sure I’ve mentioned it by now (maybe just once or twice)- we’re going to be there to make sure it gets the coverage that this clash deserves.
4. LIU (7-15, 3-3 NEC)
The Sharks are surging, having won four straight matches, including two over Stonehill. Alasha Colon’s defensive dominance continues, as she leads the conference with 4.53 digs per set. LIU is starting to put things together and could be a dark horse in the race to the NEC tournament. With momentum building, they’re looking to finish the season strong and secure a solid spot in the standings and a stake in the final four for a place in the NCAA Tournament.
5. Mercyhurst (2-14, 1-5 NEC)
Mercyhurst’s first NEC season has been a struggle at times, but they’ve shown flashes of promise. Despite their record, they’ve played some of the top teams tough, especially FDU, who they took to the brink. While Saint Francis fared better, it’s clear that Mercyhurst can compete in the big leagues. Paige Miller remains the offensive leader for the Lakers, and they’ll be aiming to snag more conference wins as they adapt to the NEC’s competitive environment.
6. Stonehill (6-12, 2-4 NEC)
It’s been a rough stretch for Stonehill, with three straight losses putting them in a tough spot. However, Abby Farrell continues to be a standout for the Skyhawks, and they’ve shown they can compete in most matches. With a few adjustments, they have the potential to turn things around and make a late push for the postseason. It’s certainly too late to count out Stonehill yet.
7. Le Moyne (2-15, 1-5 NEC)
Le Moyne has had its struggles, but some of the youth like Jordyn Hamlin (Frosh) and Branwyn Lupton (Soph) have kind of hinted at what we’re going to see from the Dolphins in years to come. Anaya Rawlinson continues to shine with a .298 hitting percentage. They’re still looking for more wins, but there’s no doubt they’re laying a foundation for future success in the NEC.
8. Central Connecticut (2-16, 0-6 NEC)
CCSU has yet to find their stride in conference play, currently sitting on a 10-match losing streak. But they’ve got talent in players like Lauren Milani, and while the wins haven’t come, there’s always the possibility of turning things around in the closing stretch of the season. The Blue Devils have the pieces—they just need to put them together.
NEC Blitz Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 7
1. FDU (14-5, 4-0 NEC)
FDU stays at the top with a program record 10-match winning streak and an undefeated 4-0 start in NEC play. The Knights swept Mercyhurst over the weekend, with Eleonora Tosi and Kylie Nott anchoring this red-hot squad. Mercyhurst gave a stronger challenge than outside observers may have expected, but when it came time to dig deep (pardon the pun), FDU was able to get it done and send the Lakers back to Erie empty handed. Hannah Schmidt continues to dominate from the service line, ranking second in the NEC with 0.61 aces per set. FDU’s consistency across all phases of the game makes them the team to beat as they look ahead to maintain control over the NEC standings.
2. Chicago State (8-8, 4-0 NEC)
DAAAAAAAA COUGS! Chicago State also holds a perfect conference record after two strong wins over LIU, taking both matches from the pre-season #2 squad. Julieta Sandez leads the NEC with an impressive .351 hitting percentage, while Wiktoria Zagumny’s 9.08 assists per set- by far the most in the conference- continues to set up Chicago State’s offense for success. With Patrycja Lagida’s contributions, Chicago State is establishing itself as a powerful contender alongside FDU- but you’ll have to wait until November 1st to see what has become the most anticipated series of the season.
3. Saint Francis (7-9, 3-1 NEC)
Saint Francis secured two critical wins over Central Connecticut, extending their winning streak to three and showing that they can finish matches decisively. The Blue Devils could only take one set from the Red Flash over the weekend, proving that the Red Flash are a contender in this conference. Korrin Burns continues to be an offensive force, leading the NEC with 4.02 kills per set, while Maggie Hogan ranks second in the conference in that same category. The Red Flash have strong momentum after splitting the series with LIU and handling Central Connecticut with relative comfort, making them a team to watch closely. We’ll be sure to watch them VERY closely, since we’ll be on our way to Loretto when they take on FDU on October 26th.
4. Mercyhurst (2-12, 1-3 NEC)
Despite two losses to FDU, Mercyhurst is showing signs of development in their first NEC season. The Lakers came as close as any team has to knocking off the Knights for the entire duration of their ten game undefeated stretch, taking FDU not only to a fifth set, but even leading during the final frame! With experience, they’ll learn to win these games. Paige Miller leads the team offensively with 3.13 kills per set, while Kelsie Gaiter-Davis provides steady support on defense. The Lakers will aim to leverage these tough matches to fuel progress as they adjust to NEC competition. At this point in the season, there’s FDU and everyone else. By showing that they could play tight with the Knights, Mercyhurst shoots up the rankings.
5. Stonehill (6-10, 2-2 NEC)
Stonehill split their series with Le Moyne, taking one match 3-1 and falling in four sets in the other match. They had split the previous weekend with Mercyhurst. Abby Farrell’s consistent all-around play and Mia Berardino’s offensive production, with 2.88 kills per set, are keeping Stonehill competitive. They’re currently in the middle of the standings but have the potential to climb higher as conference play continues. This weekend will be their toughest test yet, as they’re about to face a team of hungry Sharks looking to claw back up to the top of the standings.
6. LIU (4-15, 1-3 NEC)
LIU’s tough weekend in Chicago resulted in two losses to Chicago State, but they rebounded with a non-conference win against Saint Peter’s. Non-conference success has been hard for LIU to find this year, but there’s obviously a little bit of concern now that they weren’t able to get into the swing of the season as well as they might have otherwise with less power foes in the early part. Certainly, there hasn’t been much experience for the Sharks playing in longer games at this point. Alasha Colon remains a defensive standout, leading the NEC with 4.60 digs per set. The series against Stonehill this weekend will tell us a lot about the Sharks.
7. Le Moyne (2-13, 1-3 NEC)
Le Moyne earned their first conference victory by splitting their series with Stonehill, showing they have the potential to compete in our league. Anaya Rawlinson remains a bright spot, ranking fifth in hitting percentage at .305, and the Dolphins have a huge chance to make some noise this weekend when they travel to the Windy City, hoping to leave Illinois with at least one win of their own.
8. Central Connecticut (2-14, 0-4 NEC)
Central Connecticut struggled again this week, dropping two matches to a very strong Saint Francis squad. Despite the losses, Lauren Milani continues to be a key player, averaging 2.47 kills per set. The Blue Devils have talent but will need to find cohesion to make a push in the latter part of conference play.
Games of the Weekend Recap: FDU Gets Program Record 10th Straight Win
In a weekend series packed with intensity, FDU took two hard-fought victories over new NEC member Mercyhurst, showcasing resilience and skill in both matches.
Match One: FDU Secures First Win of the Weekend
FDU opened the series with a 3-0 sweep, though Mercyhurst made them work for it, especially in the first set. The Knights started slow but rallied behind a strong team effort, pulling off a 25-22 victory after a late push. Sophomore Avery Bain played a pivotal role, logging three kills in the final points to help FDU take the early lead.
The second set was a turning point, as the Knights went on an 11-4 run to break open a competitive start, cruising to a 25-15 win behind strong offensive contributions from Bain, MacKenzy Ruggiero, and freshman Angela Marchetto. With momentum fully on their side, FDU kept up the pressure in the third set, hitting .292 while Mercyhurst struggled with errors. The Knights closed it out 25-19, securing the sweep and their ninth consecutive victory.
Bain led the Knights with 10 kills, while junior Kylie Nott added 2.5 blocks to contribute defensively. The Lakers were left to regroup and take the positives from the competitive first set for the second game the next day. They did just that.
Match Two: FDU Breaks Record in Five-Set Thriller
The second matchup between the two teams was a classic, with FDU earning a dramatic 3-2 win that set a program record with their 10th consecutive victory. Mercyhurst, determined to bounce back, came out swinging in the first set. Led by outside hitter Andrea Zaric, the Lakers capitalized on six FDU errors to take the set 25-20 and gain an early advantage.
FDU, however, found their rhythm in sets two and three. They were nearly flawless in set two, posting 12 kills with zero errors for a .455 hitting percentage, and they carried that consistency into the third set, winning 25-20 and 25-13, respectively. Bain continued her standout performance, supported by Ruggiero and Nott, who each added crucial kills to keep the Knights in control.
Refusing to go down quietly, Mercyhurst delivered an inspired performance in the fourth set. The Lakers came alive, with four aces and seven blocks frustrating FDU's attack. Mercyhurst held the lead throughout and forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-17 win.
In the final set, Mercyhurst jumped out to an 11-6 lead, putting FDU on the ropes. Winning streaks don’t last forever, and the Lakers had momentum on their side. But Bain once again stepped up, delivering three kills to tie the match at 13-13. A crucial kill by Ruggiero and an ace from Eleonora Tosi sealed the win for the Knights, who took the set 15-13 to complete the comeback and set the program record with a 10th straight win in dramatic fashion.
Bain led FDU with 17 kills and 12 digs, stepping up in the key moments to secure the victory. Ruggiero added 16 kills, and Nott contributed 13 in the tightly contested match. Defensively, senior Emily Van O'Linda recorded 18 digs to keep the Knights grounded as they faced the Lakers' relentless attack.
Looking Ahead
FDU's unbeaten run in the NEC keeps them atop the conference standings as they head on the road to face Central Connecticut State on October 18. Meanwhile, Mercyhurst, despite the losses, gave the dominant Knights team everything they could handle and almost pulled off the stunner in Saturday’s game. With time to regroup, they will aim to build on these performances as they continue their NEC campaign. They’ve already shown that the early season slump was just that- early season. Now in conference play, the Lakers have proven they’ve got what it takes to compete with anyone- even the seemingly invincible FDU Knights.
Both teams displayed impressive talent and determination, setting the stage for exciting future matchups in the Northeast Conference.
NEC Volleyball Games of the Weekend: Mercyhurst At FDU
This weekend, NEC Blitz is all about the Lake Show.
Mercyhurst is fresh off of its first win in NEC play after splitting their opening series with Stonehill. The Lakers feature Paige Miller and, as the season progresses, we expect them to have one of the bigger homefield advantages in the NEC.
Why? Well, they have this guy marking out for them:
Among NEC schools, Mercyhurst leads the conference in “fans that seem to be channeling Brock Lesnar”
With this kind of support for the Lakers, they’re going to be hard to beat in Erie.
That said, Mercyhurst is on the road this week, and they’re making the most treacherous trip in the entire conference right now to face the FDU Knights. The Knights are on an 8 game winstreak and have become appointment viewing. They’re fresh off of a weekday dismantling of Stony Brook and, sitting at 2-0 in league play after wins against Le Moyne last weekend, we’re beginning to wonder if the 3rd place prediction for FDU was… let’s go with misguided.
With the Lakers breaking a slump and getting some confidence, look for Paige Miller and the Lakers to give it all they’ve got in our games of the weekend, a David vs. Goliath series with plenty of potential for high drama.
NEC Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 6
1. FDU (12-5, 2-0 NEC)
FDU continues to really stretch my imagination to come up with ways to say what should be simple: this team is really good, and they’re not loosening their grip on the top spot at all after one week of NEC action. The Knights enjoyed a flawless start to conference play, sweeping through Le Moyne and picking up a non-conference win against Stony Brook. Eleonora Tosi and Kylie Nott continue to be forces at the net, while Hannah Schmidt has been dominant from the service line, leading the NEC in aces per set. The Knights are on a crazy eight-match win streak and are looking every bit the team to beat.
Key Player: Hannah Schmidt (0.61 aces/set, 5.65 assists/set)
2. Chicago State (6-8, 2-0 NEC)
Chicago State kicked off NEC play in dominant fashion with back-to-back sweeps of Central Connecticut. Julieta Sandez continues to lead the league in hitting percentage, while setter Wiktoria Zagumny paces the conference in assists per set. The Cougars are showing their potential in the NEC after navigating fairly well through a tough non-conference schedule, and with Patrycja Lagida and Berenice Almeyda playing at such a high level, Chicago State is a dangerous team moving forward.
Key Player: Julieta Sandez (.346 hitting percentage)
3. Saint Francis U (5-9, 1-1 NEC)
The Red Flash split their opening NEC matches with LIU, bouncing back with a strong 3-1 win in the rematch after a close five-set loss. Maggie Hogan and Korrin Burns continue to deliver offensively, with Burns leading the NEC in kills per set. There’s a lot of competition for this proclamation, but Burns just might be playing the best ball in the entire conference right now. Saint Francis has shown they can compete with anyone, and they’ll be a force as the season progresses.
Key Player: Korrin Burns (3.89 kills/set, 4.40 points/set)
4. LIU (3-13, 1-1 NEC)
LIU grabbed a key victory over Saint Francis U in five sets to open NEC play, demonstrating their grit in tight matches. Saint Francis rebounded the next day with a 4 set win, and so the split decision with the Red Flash helps them climb to number four on our rankings. Despite their overall record, the Sharks have shown the talent that earned them a preseason No. 2 ranking. Now that the non-conference schedule is over, the Sharks are prepared and forged in fire to swim their way through the league. Alasha Colon continues to anchor the defense, leading the NEC in digs per set.
Key Player: Alasha Colon (4.60 digs/set)
5. Stonehill (5-9, 1-1 NEC)
Stonehill started NEC play by splitting two hard-fought matches against Mercyhurst. Mia Berardino continues to shine as one of the NEC’s top hitters, and Abby Farrell’s all-around play has been crucial for the Skyhawks. With a strong balance of offense and defense, Stonehill is poised to climb even higher in the rankings as they settle into conference play.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (3.03 kills/set)
6. Mercyhurst (2-10, 1-1 NEC)
Mercyhurst got their first NEC win of the season- check that, of all time- with a solid 3-1 victory over Stonehill after struggling in the opener to conference play. After getting into a little bit of a rut, it’s good seeing the Lake Show climb up the rankings a little bit in volleyball-crazed Western Pennsylvania. Paige Miller has been a consistent force, and the Lakers are starting to show signs of growth. With continued development, Mercyhurst could become a tough out as the season progresses.
Key Player: Paige Miller (2.95 kills/set)
7. Central Connecticut (2-12, 0-2 NEC)
It was a tough start to NEC play for Central Connecticut, as they dropped two matches to Chicago State in straight sets. However, the Blue Devils have shown potential to disrupt this season, especially with strong individual performances from Lauren Milani and Weronika Poczynek. As conference play continues, CCSU will look to bounce back and capitalize on their talent. Chicago State is a tough team; we haven’t seen the last noise from New Britain this year.
Key Player: Lauren Milani (2.57 kills/set, 3.11 points/set)
8. Le Moyne (1-12, 0-2 NEC)
Le Moyne had a difficult start to NEC competition, falling in back-to-back matches against FDU. Despite the losses, the Dolphins are led by standout performances from players like Anaya Rawlinson, who continues to hit at a high level. With time and experience, this young team could surprise opponents later in the season.
Key Player: Anaya Rawlinson (.298 hitting percentage)
Final Thoughts:
FDU continues to lead the pack, while Chicago State is emerging as a serious contender. LIU and Saint Francis, the top two teams entering the season, are just a little behind them. Seeing Mercyhurst and Stonehill split their series underscores how talented the Lakers might be in their first season in NEC play; Stonehill certainly hasn’t been a slouch to open up the year. Le Moyne and Central Connecticut drew tough outs to open league play. It’s not over ‘till it’s over, and there’s a lot of good action coming up ahead.
Games of the Weekend Recap: LIU and Saint Francis Split a Weekend in Brooklyn
It just couldn’t have gone any other way.
We were so excited by the prospect of preseason #1 Saint Francis traveling to Brooklyn to take on the preseason #2 LIU Sharks to kick off the women’s volleyball season. The preseason race was tight between the two squads, going down to the points beyond the (evenly split) first place votes. But leave the polls in the past, because we’ve finally made it to Northeast Conference play and suddenly we were being treated to a matchup between two Goliaths in one of the five boroughs.
In the first match, LIU narrowly defeated Saint Francis in a thrilling five-set battle. LIU took the first two sets, 25-18 and 25-20, with strong hitting efficiency, especially in the second set where they hit .241. It looked like it would be a runaway for the Sharks at home, but the Red Flash regrouped and refused to go down so easily. Saint Francis fought back, staving off defeat in the third set by dragging the set out to overtime. They held off the Sharks to win 27-25, and then took the fourth 25-21, forcing a decisive fifth set.
However, LIU regained momentum and sealed the match with a 15-10 win in the final set. Saint Francis struggled offensively throughout, gutting out the two set wins while hitting just .115 overall compared to LIU’s .180. Maggie Hogan led Saint Francis with 18 kills, while Camelia Melendez dominated for LIU with 25 kills. LIU's more efficient attack, paired with fewer errors, helped them secure the win.
But there would be no time for LIU to rest, and the Red Flash were hungry to get the win back. In the rematch on October 5, Saint Francis rebounded with a 3-1 victory over LIU. The Red Flash came out strong, winning the first two sets 25-20 and 25-21, with their best offensive performance in the first set, hitting .345. LIU responded by roaring back in the third set 25-18, but there would be no fifth set on Sunday. Saint Francis closed out the match with a 25-21 victory in the fourth. In the rematch, Saint Francis was more efficient, hitting .209 as a team. Korrin Burns led the way for Saint Francis with 23 kills, supported by Kori McClure’s 16 kills. Alexandra Sappia had a standout performance with 48 assists and 14 digs, helping the Red Flash dominate both offensively and defensively to even the weekend series.
We had entered into the weekend wondering if we would get more clarity into where the NEC Women’s Volleyball season would take us. We didn’t get any spoilers in Brooklyn. LIU and Saint Francis are both 1-1 in conference play, and having gotten each other out of the way, how they fare against the rest of the conference will determine if the two squads are in the tournament at the end of the regular season.
NEC Blitz Games of the Weekend: Saint Francis at LIU
Give the NEC credit: they made sure not to bury the lede this season.
Preseason #1 Saint Francis travels to Preseason #2 LIU for a crucial match up in Brooklyn on Friday at 6:00 PM and Saturday at 1:00 PM. This series is our NEC Blitz Games of the Weekend. It’s no surprise pick given the pre-season expectations for both squads, although their current places in the Power Rankings don’t reflect the talent each squad has. That’s the nature of non-conference play, though.
LIU played an absolutely brutal stretch. It wasn’t that their skill wasn’t on display. LIU has plenty of talented players on their squad, like Bria Plante, Alasha Colon, Camelia Melendez, and Bella Correia, all of whom have received NEC honors in this young season. They’re 2-12 on the season, though, and in every sport your record is who you are. However, along with that 2-12 record is a 0-0 record in conference play. The Sharks are a storied NEC program, and the level of defensive play in Brooklyn (anchored by Alasha Colon) will ensure that they remain in the league chase.
Meanwhile, the Red Flash have a talented squad of their own and a win against LIU will go a long way towards securing an NEC tournament berth even now as conference play begins. Korrin Burns has already earned player of the week honors while Alyssa Irwin was named Rookie of the Week on September 10th. The one-two punch of Saint Francis is undeniable as well, with Korrin Burns leading the conference in kills (3.81) just ahead of teammate Maggie Hogan (3.38). They’ve also got the top two in the conference in service aces per game (Drew Wallech and Alexandra Sappia). They’ll be a tough out for the Sharks.
This’ll be a Friday night battle that any fan of NEC volleyball shouldn’t miss. You won’t have to work too hard to see it, either, as the game is streaming on NEC Front Row. It’s impossible to predict this one, but more than any other game this season this contest will provide clarity on how the rest of conference play is likely to go.
NEC Women’s Volleyball Power Rankings (Week 5)
1. FDU (8-5)
FDU remains in the top spot after another impressive performance, sweeping Saint Peter’s to extend their winning streak to four matches. Eleonora Tosi continues to be a standout, ranking in the NEC’s top 10 in both kills and hitting percentage. The Knights are playing some of their best volleyball right now, and they’re poised for a strong start as they enter conference play. FDU was projected to finish third in conference pre-season, but right now they’re looking like they could even exceed those expectations.
Key Player: Eleonora Tosi (2.59 kills/set, .296 hitting percentage)
2. Chicago State (4-8)
Chicago State holds onto second place as they prepare for NEC play. Despite a challenging non-conference schedule, the Cougars have shown flashes of brilliance, led by the dynamic duo of Patrycja Lagida and Julieta Sandez. Their potential remains high, and they’ll be eager to make a statement when they return to the court. They hung with good competition well in the non-conference slate; now’s their chance to prove they can hang around with their new conference.
Key Player: Patrycja Lagida (3.13 kills/set, 3.47 points/set)
3. Saint Francis U (4-8)
Saint Francis U has all the tools to make a deep run in NEC play, led by offensive powerhouses Maggie Hogan and Korrin Burns. After a well-earned break, the Red Flash are gearing up for a highly anticipated NEC opener against LIU in what promises to be one of the games of the weekend. With a strong start, SFU can quickly climb the standings and get back to that pre-season #1 ranking.
Key Player: Korrin Burns (3.81 kills/set)
4. Stonehill (4-8)
Stonehill continues to rise after a solid showing last week, splitting a doubleheader against Assumption that they could have swept in straight sets had things gone just a hair differently. Mia Berardino’s consistency at the net has been key for the Skyhawks, who are finding their rhythm just in time for NEC play. Stonehill’s potential to make noise in the conference is undeniable, and there’s plenty to be said about peaking at the right time as league play begins, as well as learning from matches like the second half of the doubleheader against Assumption last week.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (3.00 kills/set, .264 hitting percentage)
5. Central Connecticut (2-10)
Central Connecticut may not have played last week, but they’ve shown plenty of promise through strong individual performances from Lauren Milani and Weronika Poczynek in the early part of the season. With their non-conference schedule behind them and a Rookie of the Week winner like Olivia Keckler with a bright future ahead, the Blue Devils are poised to start fresh in NEC play and could surprise some teams along the way.
Key Player: Lauren Milani (0.50 aces/set)
6. LIU (2-12)
LIU has faced some tough non-conference opponents (brutal may be the better word choice here), but the Sharks are primed for a resurgence. With the league’s top defensive player in Alasha Colon anchoring their backline, LIU has the talent to turn things around. Look for the Sharks to come out strong in their NEC opener against preseason favorite Saint Francis U in what will be a thrilling matchup. Remember- the Sharks were predicted to be preseason #2. It’d be foolhardy to count them out just yet.
Key Player: Alasha Colon (4.69 digs/set)
7. Le Moyne (1-9)
Le Moyne joined most of the conference in a quiet week, but there’s every reason to believe they’re ready to turn the corner. Le Moyne certainly isn’t short on talent. With Hayley Gerken and freshmen like Jordyn Hamlin and Brooke Menke leading the offense, the Dolphins are looking forward to hitting their stride as NEC play begins. Fans should keep an eye on this team as they continue to develop and improve throughout the season.
Key Player: Brooke Menke (2.58 digs/game)
8. Mercyhurst (1-9)
Mercyhurst remains a team full of potential as they navigate the transition to D1. While their non-conference schedule hasn’t been easy on them, Paige Miller has emerged as a consistent force at the net and one of the NEC’s best players. The Lakers are working hard to find their groove and will be looking to make a strong push as they head into NEC competition.
Key Player: Paige Miller (2.73 kills/set)
Final Thoughts:
As we head into NEC play, FDU has established themselves as the team to beat, but don’t count out Chicago State or Saint Francis U, both of whom are loaded with talent and ready to make waves. Stonehill is a team on the rise, while LIU is looking to bounce back strong in a crucial opening match against SFU this weekend. With so much talent across the board, the NEC season is shaping up to be exciting from start to finish!
Stonehill Skyhawks Volleyball Games of the Week Recap
The Stonehill Skyhawks nearly pulled off a sweep during their Saturday doubleheader at Assumption University, coming just short in the second match. They opened the day with an impressive 3-0 win (31-29, 25-19, 25-16) before dropping a hard-fought five-set battle in the second match (25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 23-25, 13-15). Stonehill showed grit and potential, putting them in a strong position as they prepare to open NEC play next week at home.
Match 1 Recap: Stonehill 3, Assumption 0 (31-29, 25-19, 25-16)
The Skyhawks started the day with a dominant performance, sweeping Assumption in straight sets. The first set was particularly thrilling, with 15 ties and Stonehill coming out on top in a marathon 31-29 win, thanks to junior Mia Berardino’s three consecutive kills to close it out. Senior Emma Graves led the offensive charge with a season-high 12 kills and an outstanding .435 hitting percentage.
Freshman Paloma Gonzalez Jaramillo, junior Abby Farrell, and Berardino each contributed 10 points in the win. Farrell's clean play was a highlight—she recorded 10 kills with zero errors, boasting an exceptional .769 hitting percentage. Stonehill's defense was anchored by Berardino’s career-high 18 digs, while the duo of sophomore setters Amaya Parnell and Maddie Schamaun combined for 47 assists.
Match 2 Recap: Assumption 3, Stonehill 2 (25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 23-25, 13-15)
The second match was a rollercoaster that saw Stonehill dominate the first two sets but ultimately fall in five. Berardino was once again the standout, tallying 16 points and 15 digs. Graves and Gonzalez Jaramillo also contributed 13 kills apiece, while Farrell continued her efficient play, adding 10 kills and two aces with a team-high .529 hitting percentage.
After jumping out to a 2-0 set lead, Stonehill looked poised to sweep the day. However, Assumption fought back, winning the third set before eking out close wins in the final two frames. Despite the loss, there were bright spots, including Schamaun’s career-high 29 assists and sophomore Sarah Frager’s service ace that helped Stonehill control the second set.
Stonehill came so close to finishing off a perfect Saturday. Had they held on in the fifth set, they would have entered NEC play with exta momentum and a 5 wins to their credit. Nevertheless, their play this weekend, especially from leaders like Berardino, Graves, and Farrell, shows promise. The Skyhawks' ability to dig deep in critical moments, like in their marathon first set win of Match 1, will serve them well moving forward. They’ll need to add some more consistency with closing out games as the season progresses to make the conference tournament, but this group can certainly achieve that.
Looking Ahead: Mercyhurst
The Skyhawks return to Merkert Gymnasium next weekend to open Northeast Conference play against Mercyhurst University. This matchup is set to be a thriller, with standout players Mia Berardino and Mercyhurst’s Paige Miller facing off. These are two of the most exciting athletes in the NEC, and their battle will be worth tuning in for on NEC Front Row.
Stay tuned to NEC Blitz for all your volleyball coverage as the Skyhawks look to make a splash in conference play!
Games of the Weekend Preview: Stonehill vs. Assumption
There’s not a lot of NEC Volleyball this weekend, but the Northeast Conference has a doubleheader matchup when Stonehill takes on Assumption from their former conference, the NE-10. Stonehill will be looking to get some momentum and some more wins under their belt before they embark on conference play, which is finally just around the corner for the league.
The Skyhawks and the Greyhounds will be facing off in a pair of matches that are set to challenge both squads. Stonehill comes in with a 3-7 record, while Assumption is 3-8, making this a key showdown for both teams looking to gain confidence as the season progresses. For the Skyhawks, these are critical tune-ups before the real season begins.
Stonehill's top performers this season include Mia Berardino, who leads the team with 70 kills and a .274 hitting percentage. Her offensive power, paired with the Amaya Parnell (167 assists and a solid 4.64 assists per set), will be essential for Stonehill to control the game against Assumption. Georgia Murphy has also been a key contributor, tallying 65 kills.
Assumption University, competing in Division II's NE-10 conference where Stonehill previously played, will be hungry for a win on their home court. Stonehill will need to stay sharp in both matches to secure victories. With both teams having similar records, these games will be hard-fought battles, and Stonehill’s ability to limit errors and take advantage of Assumption’s weaknesses will be crucial.
The first game kicks off at 11:00 AM, with the second immediately following at 1:30 PM. Stonehill will look to come out strong and take control early, relying on their experienced players to lead the way. If they can stay consistent and execute their game plan, they have a great chance to come away with two important wins in Worcester before heading into NEC competition.
NEC Blitz Week 4 Women’s Volleyball Power Rankings
With several key matches in the past week, we’ve seen some movement across the board.
1. FDU (8-5)
FDU claims the top spot after a dominant week, winning four straight matches. Eleonora Tosi continues to shine with 2.59 kills/set and a .296 hitting percentage, while Hannah Schmidt’s 5.78 assists per set are propelling the Knights’ balanced attack. Their latest victories over George Mason and Morgan State solidify their position as the team to beat heading into NEC play. It might be a good time to remind you that we’ll be on campus to cover when FDU takes on Saint Francis in Loretto, PA!
Key Player: Eleonora Tosi (2.59 kills/set, .296 hitting percentage)
2. Chicago State (4-8)
Despite their three-match losing streak, Chicago State holds steady at number two. Their earlier form keeps them near the top, with Patrycja Lagida still a force, averaging 3.13 kills/set. Julieta Sandez continues to be dominant in both hitting percentage (.319) and blocks, but they’ll need to bounce back in the coming week.
Key Player: Patrycja Lagida (3.13 kills/set, 3.47 points/set)
3. Saint Francis U (4-8)
Saint Francis had an up-and-down week, managing a solid win over Indiana State but dropping matches against Purdue Fort Wayne and Eastern Michigan. It was just enough to keep them at number 3. Maggie Hogan remains their offensive leader, ranking second in the NEC in points per set (3.89), and Korrin Burns continues to be impactful.
Key Player: Maggie Hogan (3.38 kills/set, 3.89 points/set)
4. LIU (2-11)
LIU threatens to move up after snapping their losing streak with a 3-0 sweep over Iona. Despite earlier losses to Bryant and St. John’s, Camelia Melendez and Alasha Colon remain crucial for the Sharks. Colon leads the NEC with 4.68 digs/set, anchoring their defense. The win gives them some much-needed momentum before conference play starts. We’ve said it before: buy stock in the Sharks now.
Key Player: Alasha Colon (4.68 digs/set)
5. Central Connecticut (2-10)
Central Connecticut struggled this past week, falling in straight sets to Bryant, UConn, New Hampshire, and Brown. However, they showed earlier signs of potential last Tuesday with their strong play from Lauren Milani, who ranks fifth in the NEC with 0.50 service aces per set. With a challenging non-conference slate behind them, CCSU looks to regroup for NEC play.
Key Player: Lauren Milani (2.80 kills/set, 0.50 aces/set)
6. Stonehill (3-7)
Stonehill sinks a hair down to sixth due to not playing last week. Mia Berardino remains their offensive leader, averaging 2.92 kills/set, and their balanced attack makes them a threat in conference matchups. With just a few games left before they get set for NEC play, Stonehill will be looking to make a jump in the standings to ride into league play with momentum.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (2.92 kills/set, .274 hitting percentage)
7. Le Moyne (1-9)
Le Moyne continues to struggle, now having lost five straight matches, including their most recent defeat against Binghamton, and unfortunately weren’t able to pick up positive momentum from winning their first match. Le Moyne will need to turn things around quickly as they prepare for NEC competition.
Key Player: Hayley Gerken (5.03 assists/set)
8. Mercyhurst (1-9)
Mercyhurst remains at the bottom after extending their losing streak to six matches. Paige Miller has shown promise, averaging 2.73 kills/set, but the team has struggled to find consistency. Right now, the Lakers just haven’t shown that they’ll be able to keep afloat when conference play starts. They’ll need to shore up their defense and offense to compete.
Key Player: Paige Miller (2.73 kills/set)
Final Thoughts:
FDU is heading into conference play on fire, with Chicago State still looming as a top contender despite their current slump. Saint Francis U and LIU are rounding into form, while Central Connecticut and Stonehill look like they could make some noise once the NEC slate begins. Le Moyne and Mercyhurst will need to focus on improving their overall play to compete with the top teams.
LIU Ends Weekend in Queens on a High Note, Sweeping Iona
LIU Volleyball faced a tough weekend, going 1-2 in their trio of matches, but the Sharks finished strong with a 3-0 sweep over Iona in their final match in Queens. Despite losses to Bryant and St. John’s, LIU showed resilience and improvement, especially in their decisive victory to close out the weekend.
Game 1: Bryant Defeats LIU (3-1)
Score: Bryant 3, LIU 1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 26-24)
In their first match of the weekend, LIU faced off against a strong Bryant team. LIU dropped the match 3-1 but showed competitiveness, especially in the second and fourth sets.
Set 1: Bryant took the opening set 25-20, outpacing LIU with 18 kills and a .268 hitting percentage. LIU struggled to find consistency, committing four errors on 50 attempts, leading to a .220 attack percentage.
Set 2: LIU responded well in the second set, edging Bryant 25-23. The Sharks relied on their defense and limited Bryant to a .111 hitting percentage, while key kills from Camelia Melendez and Iremnur Elmas helped secure the set.
Set 3: Bryant bounced back in the third set, winning 25-20. LIU struggled offensively, hitting only .089 with six errors. Bryant’s offense, led by Celine Mukura, proved too much for the Sharks, who couldn’t maintain the momentum from the second set.
Set 4: The fourth set was the closest of the match, with Bryant narrowly winning 26-24. LIU played their best volleyball of the day, hitting .222 and matching Bryant kill-for-kill, but critical errors down the stretch allowed Bryant to secure the match.
Game 2: St. John's Sweeps LIU (3-0)
Score: St. John's 3, LIU 0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-18)
In their second match, LIU faced off against St. John's, a Big East powerhouse. The Sharks were swept 3-0 but played with heart, especially in the second set, where they pushed the Red Storm to the brink.
Set 1: LIU started slowly, hitting just .103 in the first set, as St. John’s took advantage of seven errors to win 25-20. The Red Storm were led by Erin Jones, who had 17 kills and hit .243 for the match.
Set 2: LIU’s strongest showing came in the second set, where they kept pace with St. John's and nearly forced a fourth set. The Sharks hit .243 in the set, their highest percentage of the match, but fell just short, losing 25-23.
Set 3: St. John’s closed out the match with a dominant 25-18 win. LIU’s offense faltered, hitting a match-low -.148 with nine errors. The Red Storm capitalized, securing the sweep.
Game 3: LIU Sweeps Iona (3-0)
Score: LIU 3, Iona 0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-19)
The Sharks ended the weekend on a high note, sweeping Iona in three sets for a much-needed victory. LIU controlled the match from start to finish, showcasing their potential with strong offense, defense, and serving.
Set 1: LIU came out firing in the first set, dominating Iona 25-11. The Sharks hit .524 as a team and were led by Bria Plante and Jordan MacDonald, who combined for seven kills in the set. LIU’s defense was equally impressive, holding Iona to a low hitting percentage.
Set 2: In the second set, LIU continued to apply pressure, winning 25-18. Selina Koc distributed the ball well while Iremnur, Elmas, and MacDonald continued to lead the offensive charge. LIU’s blocking was a key factor, with Plante and MacDonald combining for six total blocks.
Set 3: LIU closed out the match with a 25-19 win in the third set. The Sharks’ defense stifled Iona’s attack. LIU’s balanced offense featured contributions from multiple players, with Elmas and MacDonald delivering the key points to finish the sweep.
Takeaways from the Weekend:
LIU showed resilience despite a 1-2 record over the weekend, highlighted by their strong finish against Iona. While the losses to Bryant and St. John's exposed some areas for improvement, the Sharks demonstrated their potential, especially in the sweep of Iona. The balanced play of MacDonald, Elmas, and Plante, combined with the consistent setting of Koc, positions LIU well as they head into NEC play.
Following the strong performances against top squads and an easy dispatch of Iona, LIU- a very tough team to read on the season- has shown that their early season record has been in large part due to the brutal non-conference schedule they’ve faced. They’ve got one game at Binghamton before they dive into NEC play. Expect the Sharks to take a bite out of the rest of the NEC, and buy stock now- this is a contender for the NEC Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Game of the Weekend: LIU Takes on Three in Queens
For this weekend’s "Game of the Weekend," we're shifting our focus to LIU women's volleyball as they finally catch a break from the powerhouse schools they've been facing and turn their attention to some challenging but more evenly matched opponents in Queens, NY. These upcoming matchups will truly test whether LIU has the ability to capitalize on their tough early-season competition and show their strength against Bryant, St. John's, and Iona.
LIU kicks off the weekend with a match against Bryant on September 20 at 1:00 PM, followed by a tough evening matchup against St. John’s at 7:00 PM, and they close the weekend facing Iona on September 21 at 5:00 PM.
LIU’s key players to watch include Bria Plante, who continues to be a force at the net. With a hitting percentage of .321 and 55 kills on the season, she's one of the top attackers in the conference. She’s also leading in blocks with an average of 1.03 blocks per set, proving her ability to control both offense and defense. Selina Koc has been effective as a setter, with 155 assists and an average of 5.00 per set. Her ability to spread the ball will be crucial in this series. Alasha Colon has been dominant in the back row, leading the team with 151 digs, which averages out to 4.58 digs per set. She’s a key player in stabilizing the defense.
Their opponents include Bryant, who has been solid this season, currently holding a 9-2 record and riding a five-game winning streak. They'll be confident going into this match, and LIU will have to bring their best performance. St. John's also poses a tough challenge, sitting at 7-3. After taking down Princeton and Duke last week, they’re coming off a loss to powerhouse Penn State, who is ranked #3 in the nation. It should be noted that their rival, Pitt, is ranked #1. This will be a good measuring stick for LIU to see if they can hang with top-tier opponents. Iona, though struggling at 1-8, should not be overlooked. They’ve had a tough schedule and are desperate to turn things around. LIU will need to stay focused and avoid a letdown in this final match of the weekend.
With this strong slate of matchups, fans will get to see if LIU can turn the corner and make some noise in these games. These are must-watch contests for those following the NEC closely, and with the team having been tested by top schools, we’ll see if they can now turn that experience into victories against solid competition.
The Blue Devils Are Heating Up: Second Straight Win for Central Connecticut
Central Connecticut picked up their second consecutive victory with a strong showing against Saint Peter's, winning at home in Hard Hittin’ New Britain in straight sets to improve to 2-6 on the season. The Blue Devils have begun to catch fire. Their latest win showcased a balanced team effort, led by standout performances from Olivia Keckler and Weronika Poczynek. They’ve now won 5 straight sets as a result.
Keckler, the reigning NEC Rookie of the Week, lived up to her billing with a game-high 12 kills and an impressive .458 hitting percentage. She was a constant force at the net, delivering in key moments to keep the momentum firmly in CCSU's favor. Poczynek also contributed heavily to the Blue Devils' attack, adding 11 kills of her own while recording a .162 hitting percentage.
CCSU’s offense was well-orchestrated by setter Larissa Hiemer, who posted 31 assists and chipped in 2 service aces. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively allowed multiple players to get involved in the attack. Lauren Milani also had a standout all-around performance with 6 kills, 8 digs, and 3 service aces, showcasing her versatility on the court.
Defensively, the Blue Devils held strong, with Kaylin Hadley adding 5 blocks, while Keckler and Poczynek contributed to key defensive moments that kept Saint Peter's at bay. The Blue Devils took control early in each set and never looked back, closing out each frame with authority.
With this win, CCSU appears to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. Their confidence looks to be growing and they’re gelling as a team with NEC play now just around the corner. Keckler is emerging as a force and the Blue Devils, picked fifth by media in the pre-season, look poised to make some noise if they can continue to stay hot.
Mercyhurst Flashes Promise in Loss at Duquesne
In a closely contested match, Mercyhurst showed plenty of fight against a strong Duquesne squad, but ultimately fell in straight sets. The Lakers were right on the verge of taking the second set, holding a 23-22 lead before Duquesne rallied to claim the set and momentum in the match. Despite the outcome, the Lakers demonstrated resilience and determination, pushing Duquesne to the limit, especially in that thrilling second frame.
Paige Miller continued to be a focal point for Mercyhurst's offense, leading the team with 8 kills and stepping up in key moments to keep the Lakers within striking distance. Miller was supported by Andrea Zaric, who had a standout performance with 5 kills on an efficient .357 hitting percentage. Esra Akcay also made her presence felt, contributing 3 kills as the Lakers looked to spread their attack and challenge Duquesne’s defense.
In that pivotal second set, the Lakers showcased their grit, exchanging points with Duquesne throughout. A service ace from Alia Mastromatteo and kills from Zaric and Miller helped Mercyhurst stay neck-and-neck with the Dukes, eventually giving the Lakers a late lead and a chance to tie up the match. However, Duquesne showed plenty of fight and was able to shift the momentum. The Dukes rally was successful and they went on to secure the set 25-23. Unfortunately, it would be the closest the Lakers would get to securing a set for the entire match. With the loss of the set, Mercyhurst’s momentum stalled and they were unable to show the same offensive firepower in the third and final set.
Although Mercyhurst came up short, their ability to battle back and put pressure on a strong Duquesne team is a testament to their growth and potential moving forward. With a balanced team effort and several standout individual performances, the Lakers showed that they can compete at a high level. We’ll be looking forward to continuing to cover their first season as they approach NEC conference play.
NEC Women’s Volleyball Power Rankings (Week 3)
1. Chicago State (4-5)
Chicago State jumps to the top after an impressive week that included wins over Southern Indiana and UIC. Led by Patrycja Lagida, who ranks third in the NEC in kills per set (3.43), and Berenice Almeyda, who leads the conference in hitting percentage (.343), the Cougars are hitting their stride. With two wins in a row, Chicago State is looking sharp ahead of conference play.
Key Player: Patrycja Lagida (3.43 kills/set, 133 points)
2. FDU (4-5)
FDU holds steady at number two after sweeping Lafayette but stumbling in a tough 3-2 loss to Fordham. Eleonora Tosi continues to lead the way offensively, ranking third in the NEC in hitting percentage (.282), while Hannah Schmidt's 5.58 assists per set keep the Knights' attack balanced. Despite the loss, FDU looks solid as they prepare for NEC competition.
Key Player: Eleonora Tosi (2.61 kills/set, .282 hitting percentage)
3. Saint Francis U (3-6)
Saint Francis drops slightly after suffering three straight losses. Maggie Hogan remains the driving force for the Red Flash, leading the team with 3.45 kills per set and ranking second in the NEC in points per set (3.90). Despite their recent struggles, Saint Francis has the talent to rebound and contend in the NEC.
Key Player: Maggie Hogan (3.45 kills/set, 3.90 points/set)
4. LIU (1-8)
LIU remains in the top half of the rankings despite a tough schedule that has seen them face several power conference opponents, including Minnesota and Auburn. Camelia Melendez and the defensive prowess of Alasha Colon (4.58 digs/set) give the Sharks hope heading into NEC play. Once their schedule eases, LIU should start to show their true potential.
Key Player: Alasha Colon (4.58 digs/set)
5. Stonehill (3-7)
Stonehill continues to be a competitive force, splitting their matches this week with a win over Saint Peter's and a loss to Providence. Mia Berardino remains the offensive leader, ranking fourth in the NEC in kills per set (2.92), while Abby Farrell contributes on both offense and defense. Consistency will be key for Stonehill as the season progresses.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (2.92 kills/set, .274 hitting percentage)
6. Central Connecticut (1-6)
Central Connecticut moves up a spot after picking up their first win of the season in a 3-2 thriller over Holy Cross. Lauren Milani leads the Blue Devils offensively, averaging 2.80 kills per set and ranking second in the NEC in service aces per set (0.60). If CCSU can build off this win, they could surprise some teams in conference play.
Key Player: Lauren Milani (2.80 kills/set, 0.60 aces/set)
7. Le Moyne (1-5)
Le Moyne picked up their first win of the season with a 3-2 victory over Morgan State but remains near the bottom of the rankings due to overall struggles. Jordyn Hamlin remains a bright spot. However, the Dolphins will need more contributions from their supporting cast to rise in the standings. Hayley Gerken ranks third in the conference for assists per set. Maybe that’s a good place to start.
Key Player: Hayley Gerken (5.71 assists/set)
8. Mercyhurst (1-6)
Mercyhurst drops to the bottom of the rankings after three straight losses. Paige Miller continues to perform well, but the Lakers have struggled to find consistency. With NEC play approaching, Mercyhurst will need to regroup and tighten up on both sides of the ball if they hope to compete.
Key Player: Paige Miller (2.81 kills/set)
Final Thoughts:
Chicago State's surge to the top is well-earned, as they've been building momentum. FDU and Saint Francis continue to be strong contenders, while LIU's tough schedule keeps them in the top half. Stonehill and Central Connecticut are showing flashes of potential, and both teams could make noise as the season progresses. Le Moyne and Mercyhurst remain at the bottom but have the talent to climb with improved play.