HACKENSACK, N.J. – In a high-energy evening matchup, FDU women's volleyball fell to LIU in a thrilling four set loss. With set scores of 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, and 25-23, LIU improved to 8-3 on the season while the Knights fell to 8-3 as well.
Despite an energy filled start to set one, the Knights struggled to find a consistent way to score against a scrappy Sharks team. Only tallying 13 kills on the set, FDU's .194 hitting clip was not enough to overpower a fired-up LIU squad who tallied an impressive .387 percentage. With 14 kills, 3 aces and two blocks, the Sharks took set one 25-19.
Running with the momentum, LIU carried their energy and consistency into set two. Taking an early 11-5 lead, the Sharks were dominate both offensively and defensively. Logging 13 kills, five aces and four blocks, they outperformed the Knights in almost every category. Unable to find any kind of answer, the Burgundy and Blue dropped set two 25-16 to take a 0-2 deficit in the match.
Finally able to find their footing, the Knights jumped to an early 10-5 lead to open set three. Sophomore
Avery Bain logged five kills in just 15 points, leading the Burgundy and Blue to a 25-23 set victory.
The final set proved to be competitive, as both teams traded points and lead changes. Logging 9 hitting errors, six blocks and 1 service mistake each, neither team was able to gain a substantial lead. In a thrilling finish, LIU managed to outlast the Knights, sealing the set 25-23 and clinching the match 3-1.
The match saw 41 tie scores and multiple lead changes, highlighting the competitiveness of both teams. LIU's efficiency ultimately tipped the balance, improving their record to 18-8 for the season, while FDU fell to 13-15.
The Knights were led by graduate student
Eleonora Tosi, who tallied 16 kills on the night. She was followed by Bain and junior
MacKenzy Ruggiero, who logged 12 apiece. Defensively, senior
Emily Van O'Linda led the charge, totaling 20 digs and two aces to go along with it.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights will return to action on tomorrow (11/09), facing LIU for senior day. The Knights will honor five important members of the team, while looking to close out conference play at home with a win.
