HACKENSACK, N.J. - The Knights fell to NEC opponent Saint Francis U. on Saturday in the Rothman Center.

Inside the Box Score

• FDU posted a season-high 14 total blocks as a team. Graduate student Alix Christie recorded a season-high seven block assists.

• With 12 points, senior Sophia Spiridonakos led the Knights with nine kills and three blocks. Graduate student Miriam Stingl followed with eight kills and three blocks for a combined 11 points.

• Exchange student Pauline Giordano anchored the Knights with 28 assists. Giordano also tallied three service aces, three blocks and a kill for a season-high six points.

How it Happened

• The Red Flash kept a slight edge on the Knights through the first part of set one. With a pair of blocks by Christie and Magdalena Maksimovic, FDU went on a five-point run to knot the score at 14. The teams traded points till a final service ace by SFU Maggie Hogan closed the set in favor of the Red Flash, 26-24. 

• Set two began in a tight battle. The Knights went on a 7-1 run to break open a gap with a pair of aces by Giordano. With 14 kills off assists by Rivas and Giordano, the Knights dropped SFU 25-20.

• The teams traded points to 20 in the third set. The Red Flash jumped into a lead on a five-kill streak, taking the set 25-19.

• The Knights came out hot in the fourth set on a five-point run with a pair of kills by Spiridonakos. With the score knotted at 12, SFU went on another kill streak to jump into command and defeat the Knights.

Thoughts from Coach France

"Spirited effort by the Knights against the Red Flash. Their defense proved to be the difference. Our blocking was much improved today, but the offense needs to click for us to win these matches."

Next Up

The Knights continue NEC play on Friday as they host Bryant at 7 p.m. in the Rothman Center.