BROOKLYN, N.Y.- The FDU Knights dropped a four-set decision to St. Francis Brooklyn on Saturday evening in New York. The Knights have now lost six straight matches as they remain in search for their first conference win.
SFBK never let the Knights in the first set, as they took it 25-14. However, this lopsided result was not indicative of how the remaining sets would go. After trailing 19-12 in the second set, FDU surged back with a huge run of their own. A kill from
Jamal Ellis Carballo, who had a career high 16.5 points, knotted the set at 20. From there, the teams traded blows until eventually FDU found two straight points and scratched out a 28-26 win. The Knights hit at a .242 clip in the second set.
The third set saw another improvement in the hitting percentage for FDU. They hit at a .379 clip and battled with the Terriers all throughout the frame. After FDU cut the SFBK lead to 21-20, the Terriers came through with a clutch 4-0 run that gave them the third set win.
FDU continued to fight back in the fourth. A SFBK attack error gave the Knights a 14-9 lead. However, this would be as large as the lead would grow. The Terriers dug their feet in on their home court and ensured that there would not be a fifth set. A 16-7 SFBK run ended the match in the fourth, 25-21. The Terriers hit at a .231 clip in the final set, while holding the Knights to a .148 hitting percentage in the same frame.
Dylan McFadden set a career high with 12 kills on the night. He continues to be the Knights "go-to-guy" as he totaled 26 attacks.
Grady Hoffman had a strong night defending the back line. He reached 10 digs with just one reception error. Also having one of the better nights of his career,
Rui Fernandes had six kills and 30 assists for FDU.
FDU returns home for a two-game set next weekend. First on Friday night, the Knights host Merrimack at 6pm at Stratis Arena. To finish the weekend, FDU takes on Sacred Heart at 6pm on Saturday at Stratis Arena, as well. Stream the matches on NEC Front Row.
