FDU Knights Athletics

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The FDU Knights (2-10) fell in four sets to Syracuse (5-3) on Friday night in the opening contest of the Syracuse Invitational. After dropping the opening set, FDU battled back to take the second set, 26-24, before narrowly falling in the third, 26-24. The Knights totaled 39 kills, seven aces, and nine blocks on the night. Kiah Lopez led FDU with 11 kills, while Mila Samardzija added nine kills and 11.5 points.

 

Set 1

Syracuse jumped out to an early advantage, taking a 7-3 lead before FDU began to settle in. A kill from Samardzija put the Knights on the board, while Lopez followed with a kill to keep FDU within striking distance. The Orange extended their lead through the middle portion of the set, moving ahead 15-10. FDU continued to battle, with blocks from Samardzija and Angela Marchetto helping the Knights stay within reach.

Syracuse maintained its advantage down the stretch, taking the opening set 25-14.
 

Set 2

The Knights came out with a stronger start in the second set, with FDU and Syracuse trading points early. Lopez continued to provide offense, while Samardzija added another kill to keep the Knights within one. FDU began to create separation midway through the set. A pair of kills from Samardzija and Lopez helped the Knights take a 16-13 lead, while Madeline Joyce provided a service ace to keep the momentum with FDU.

Syracuse fought back to even the score at 19-19, setting up a tight finish. FDU responded with kills from Nina Jasiecka and Lopez before Syracuse again pulled even.
The teams traded points late, but FDU held its composure. With the score tied at 24-24, the Knights secured the final two points to take the second set, 26-24, and even the match at one set apiece.
 

Set 3

FDU carried its momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 5-3 advantage following a pair of early points from the Knights. The Orange responded to take a narrow lead, but FDU continued to answer. A service ace from Isabella Scarfone helped the Knights pull ahead 10-6, while kills from Lopez and Samardzija kept FDU in front.

FDU extended its advantage to 16-13 before Syracuse began to chip away. The Orange eventually evened the score at 19-19, setting up another close finish. The teams continued to trade points, with FDU reaching set point at 24-23.

Syracuse answered with three straight points, however, taking the third set 26-24 and moving ahead 2-1 in the match.
 

Set 4

Syracuse opened the fourth set with a 6-2 lead before FDU responded with a run of its own. A kill from Ava DeGuzman and an ace from Scarfone helped the Knights pull within two at 10-8.

The teams continued to battle through the middle portion of the set, with Lopez and Alessia Zampieri providing kills for the Knights. Syracuse began to pull away late, using a pair of aces and a strong offensive stretch to build its lead. The Orange closed out the fourth set, 25-15, securing the match 3-1.
 

The Stats

• Kiah Lopez : 11 kills, 4 block assists, 6 digs
  • Led all Knights with 11 kills while hitting .281
•  Mila Samardzija: 9 kills, 6 digs, 3 block assists, 1 ace
•  Alessia Zampieri: 7 kills, 2 block assists
• Ava DeGuzman: 6 kills, 10 digs, 3 aces
•  Isabella Scarfone: 27 assists, 8 digs, 2 aces
•  Angela Marchetto: 6 block assists

 

What's Next

The Knights return to action tomorrow at 3 p.m. when they take on Buffalo in their second and final contest of the Syracuse Invitational. The match will take place at the Women's Building in Syracuse, N.Y.
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