FAIRFIELD, C.T.- The top two teams in the NEC clashed on Friday night as FDU headed north to take on Sacred Heart, who came into the match unbeaten in conference play. Behind an efficient offensive attack and a consistent block, the Knights were able to take down the Pioneers in four sets and hand them their first NEC loss of the season. The win improves the Knights NEC record to 6-2.
This was the second meeting of the year between these two sides this year with the Pioneers taking the first battle in four sets at the Rothman Center.
SET ONE (25-23)
The Knights proved right away that they would be a tough test for first-place Sacred Heart. The teams were tied at 11-11 before a 6-2 run gave the Pioneers some breathing room. The Knights closed that gap immediately storming back on a 7-2 run to grab a late 20-19 lead.
Sofia Rampazzo's kill on set point gave FDU the set 25-23.
FDU held a formidable Pioneer attack to a pedestrian hitting percentage of .063 in the opening frame, while hitting at a steady .175 clip themselves.
SET TWO (26-28)
Yet again, it was Sacred Heart making the initial charge in the second set. With the score tied at 10-10, they utilized an 8-2 run to take a 18-12 lead. Similarly, to the first set the Knights quickly answered with a run of their own to tighten the margin. Their 10-6 spurt brough them to within two, but the Pioneers still found themselves with a set point at 24-22. The Knights fought off four set points before Sacred Heart finally closed the set at 28-26.
Sacred Heart found their offensive footing in set two hitting at a .233 clip with 18 kills. FDU's defense did their best to slow the attack with four rejections.
SET THREE (25-17)
Despite dropping the second frame, FDU was able to ride the momentum of their late comeback push to a strong start in the third set. They jumped out to an 11-2 lead and never looked back. A 7-2 Pioneer run did cut the lead down to five at 20-15, but they never came any closer. FDU took set number three 25-17.
This was one of FDU's cleanest sets of the season. They smashed 12 kills at a .323 clip, while only making two attack errors. Their defensive presence forced the Pioneers into nine attack errors.
SET FOUR (25-19)
The Knights trailed by three early on in the set but a 4-0 run swung momentum and gave FDU a 12-8 lead. The Pioneers were able to tie it back up at 14-14, but never would regain an advantage. The Knights responded with a 11-5 run, closing out the set and match 25-19.
The Knights hit at a strong .314 clip with 14 kills en route to putting the Pioneers away.
What's Next
FDU concludes their weekend getaway to Connecticut with a match against CCSU tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. The Knights took down the Blue Devils in four-sets earlier this season. Fans can stream the game on NEC Front Row
