2024 Northeast Conference Women’s Volleyball Championship Preview: Chicago State Hosts as the Top Seed
The 2024 Northeast Conference (NEC) Women’s Volleyball Championship is set to take center stage on November 22-23 at Chicago State University. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling action as the conference’s top four teams—Chicago State, FDU, Saint Francis, and LIU—battle for the championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. As the only publication that covers the NEC exclusively in volleyball, take it from us- the field is unpredictable and any of these four teams could win.
Regular Season in Review: Chicago State Tops the Pack
Chicago State enters the postseason as the regular-season champions, boasting a stellar 13-1 NEC record. The Cougars were dominant on their home court at 9-0. Guided by standout performances from players like Julieta Sandez, who leads the conference in hitting percentage (.395), and Patrycja Lagida, who ranks second in kills per set (3.29), Chicago State exceeded preseason expectations after being picked fourth in the preseason poll. This was Chicago State’s first season in the NEC, but the memorable debut can only be completed by an NEC Tournament championship- and the automatic berth to the Big Dance that the winner earns.
Second-seeded FDU (11-3 NEC) also had a strong campaign, highlighted by a 13-match winning streak in the middle of the season. The Knights showcased balance across the court, with players like Kylie Nott leading the offense (.305 hitting percentage) and Hannah Schmidt making her mark at the service line (58 aces, 0.52 per set). Third-seeded Saint Francis (10-4 NEC) and fourth-seeded LIU (10-4 NEC) round out the top teams. Saint Francis, the preseason favorite, saw perhaps the season’s best play from Korrin Burns, the conference leader in kills per set (4.11), while LIU’s defensive prowess shone, with the team leading the NEC in digs per set (15.12) and blocks per set (2.55).
Semifinal Matchups: Friday, November 22
#1 Chicago State vs. #4 LIU
Time: 2 PM CST / 3 PM EST
Broadcast: NEC Front Row, ESPN+
The opening semifinal pits regular-season champion Chicago State against LIU. The Cougars swept LIU in their regular-season matchups, utilizing their balanced offense and stifling defense to control the tempo. Julieta Sandez and Wiktoria Zagumny (a conference leading 9.20 assists per set) will aim to replicate their dominance. On the other side, LIU’s defense may be the best in the conference. Led by Alasha Colon (4.79 digs per set) and Bria Plante (1.17 blocks per set), the Sharks also feature the offensive contributions of Camelia Melendez (3.11 kills per set). LIU are the defending champions, and that fact alone makes them a formidable opponent. When LIU last faced Chicago State, the Sharks were still stumbling from a brutal non-conference schedule. They’re a very improved team now peaking at the right time, and this one could easily go the other way if LIU’s trademark strong defense shows out.
#2 FDU vs. #3 Saint Francis
Time: 7 PM CST / 8 PM EST
Broadcast: NEC Front Row, ESPN+
The second semifinal features a rematch of one of the season’s most exciting matches. FDU and Saint Francis split their regular-season meetings, with Saint Francis winning on the Saturday matchup in four sets. This was the end of FDU’s 13 match win streak, and since that time they’ve had to work to recover, going just 4-2 after winning their first 7. FDU’s offense runs through Avery Bain (2.99 kills per set) and Hannah Schmidt, while Saint Francis leans on the offensive firepower of Korrin Burns and Maggie Hogan. These two squads are probably the best offensive teams in the conference. The last time they met teams met, Bain was on fire and was fingertips away from taking over the entire match. Saint Francis was able to prevail thanks to their own strong outside hitters, but it wasn’t easy. Fans should be thrilled that we get to see these two squads go up against each other one more time.
Championship Match: Saturday, November 23
The winners of Friday’s semifinals will clash for the NEC title on Saturday at 6 PM CST / 7 PM EST. Chicago State’s hosting advantage could loom large, as the Cougars are undefeated at home this season. However, with all four teams carrying distinct strengths and being well-balanced and competitive against each other, the championship is truly up for grabs.
Statistical Leaders and Key Players
Kills Leader: Korrin Burns (Saint Francis) – 4.11 kills per set
Hitting Percentage Leader: Julieta Sandez (Chicago State) – .395
Assists Leader: Wiktoria Zagumny (Chicago State) – 9.20 assists per set
Service Aces Leader: Alexandra Sappia (Saint Francis) – 0.55 aces per set
Digs Leader: Alasha Colon (LIU) – 4.79 digs per set
Blocks Leader: Bria Plante (LIU) – 1.17 blocks per set
These players will need to be at their best to earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
A Season of Surprises and Momentum Shifts
The NEC season was an exciting one. FDU’s mid-season 13-match win streak was the longest in program history, while Chicago State’s rise from a preseason fourth-place prediction to regular-season champions in their first season was perhaps the biggest surprise. LIU’s late-season push earned them the final playoff spot, while Saint Francis enters the tournament on the heels of two hard-fought losses to Chicago State. Despite the two losses, the teams looked relatively even and it would be no surprise to see Saint Francis come away with the entire title, if they get a chance to take on Chicago State one more time.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 NEC Women’s Volleyball Championship promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a competitive season. Can Chicago State capitalize on their home-court advantage, or will a challenger rise to claim the crown? With talent on every roster and postseason dreams on the line, fans are in for an unforgettable weekend of volleyball. One thing is for sure- the student athletes who advance to the Big Dance will never forget it.
