FAIRFIELD, CONN. - The FDU women's volleyball team (5-10, 0-2 NEC) continues NEC play on Thursday as they travel to Fairfield, Conn. to take on Sacred Heart (7-6, 1-1 NEC) at 7 p.m. in the William H. Pitt Center. On Friday, they turn around to New Britain, Conn. where they will meet CCSU (4-10, 1-1 NEC) at 7 p.m. Both games will be available for streaming on NEC Front Row.
Schedule
Thursday, September 30 - 7 p.m. (EST.)
FDU vs. Sacred Heart
NEC Front Row | Live Stats
Friday, October 1 - 7 p.m. (EST.)
FDU vs. CCSU
NEC Front Row | Live Stats
Knights Outlook
The Knights return to NEC play following two tight, five-set losses against conference rivals LIU and St. Francis Brooklyn last week in the Rothman Center.
Four Knights posted double-doubles on the weekend, including Madisyn Beirne who tallied 16 kills and 12 digs against LIU. Other big contributions for FDU came from Alix Christie who recorded 15.5 points with ten kills, five blocks and two service aces. In the Knight's battle against St. Francis Brooklyn, senior Brooke Stevens notched three blocks and a career-high 13 attacks for a .435 clip. Exchange student Pauline Giordano reached a career-high of her own with 33 assists, 15 digs and three kills for a .600 average.
Scouting Sacred Heart
As the two-year reigning NEC champion, the Pioneers were selected first in the NEC preseason volleyball rankings. They head into Thursday's game following a straight-set loss to Bryant and sweep over Merrimack.
In his 15th season, Sacred Heart is led by head coach Rob Machan. Anchoring the Pioneers is reigning NEC player of the year and three-time NEC Setter of the Year, Sarah Ciszek. Ciszek leads the NEC on a .343 clip and has posted three triple-doubles on the season.
Fueling the defense is former NEC Defensive Player of the Week (9/14) middle blocker Reghan Palanchi. Palanchi averages 1.1 blocks per set with a season-high eight blocks against Brown.
Scouting CCSU
The Blue Devils take on the Knights following a sweep over Merrimack and a five-set loss to Bryant. Selected to finish fourth in the NEC preseason poll, CCSU currently stands at number four in the conference.
The Blue Devils are led by head coach of 22 years, Linda Sagnelli. Reigning NEC Defensive Player of the Week Isabelle Roufs fuels the team on defense with an average 1.25 blocks per set. Pacing the team in points is Nyjha Marcelin, tallying 145 kills on the season for 164.5 points.
Next Up
Following Thursday's match the Knights have a quick turnaround, returning to Hackensack to take on Lehigh at 7 p.m. in the Rothman Center.
Follow the Knights on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWVB.
