HACKENSACK, N.J.- Northeast Conference play began for FDU (1-13, 0-1) on Friday night with a rematch of last year's title game against Sacred Heart (2-9, 1-0). The Pioneers took down the Knights in a competitive four-set battle.
Fresh off unveiling their 2022 championship banner, an energized Knights squad dominated the first set. Led by
MacKenzy Ruggiero, who totaled a season-high 13, FDU hit at a stellar .464 clip in the first set. They were able to win it with ease. 25-17.
The Pioneers found their defensive footing early in the second frame. They were able to close off a lot of the lanes that were open to the Knights in the first set. Despite holding an 8-2 lead early, FDU's offense sputtered allowing Sacred Heart to even the match at 1-1. 25-21.
The Knights were held to a .036 hitting percentage in the second. The Pioneers produced four blocks.
The third set proved to be the closest of the match. The teams traded runs before they eventually found themselves tied at 20-20. Sacred Heart went on to win four of the next five points to give them three set points at 24-21. Despite fighting off two of these set points, FDU dropped the set. 25-23.
Both teams hit well in the third set with the Knights hitting at a .242 clip and the Pioneers coming in with a .364.
The Pioneers took an early 7-0 lead in the fourth set and never looked back. They closed out the match. 25-16.
The Pioneers finished with a .235 hitting percentage and 16 blocks.
Hannah Schmidt did the dispersing for the Knights' attack with 20 assists. Her side hit at a .169 clip overall in the loss.
What's Next
The Knights cap off their opening-NEC weekend with a match against CCSU tomorrow at 5 p.m. inside the friendly confines of the Rothman Center. Fans can stream the game on NEC Front Row.
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