Chicago State Defies Expectations, Wins First NEC Women’s Volleyball Title in Year One
In their first season as members of the NEC, the Chicago State Cougars have already made their mark.
Chicago State has emerged as the best team in the NEC, claiming the regular season title with a 13-1 conference record. Their dominance has earned them the right to host the 2024 NEC Women’s Volleyball Championship in Chicago, where they are an undefeated 9-0 this season.
Chicago State’s transition to the NEC from an independent status was met with modest expectations, as they were picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll. However, the Cougars quickly shattered those predictions. Their 13-1 conference record (.929 winning percentage) stands as the best in the NEC, and their overall record of 17-9 suggests that the Cougars are more than just a force in the NEC. Teams who have let the Cougars sneak up on them have lost in straight sets before they could even catch their breath.
Chicago State’s regular season success was led by outside hitter Patrycja Lagida, along with libero Andrea Calderon, and middle blocker Julieta Sandez. Lagida, a candidate for the NEC MVP, had a team-high 282 kills and 34 service aces. The Cougar offense simply went through her. Meanwhile, Calderon anchored the back row with 381 digs. Sandez was a force at the net, leading the team with 85 blocks.
Chicago State’s Jones Convocation Center has been a fortress this season. The Cougars are 9-0 at home, a perfect record that will undoubtedly provide a psychological edge as they host the NEC Tournament. Perhaps the travel is somewhat of an advantage, but whatever it is, it’ll be in full force when there’s a bid to the Big Dance on the line.
Chicago State’s only conference loss came against FDU on November 2, a 3-1 defeat on the road. However, the Cougars rebounded in spectacular fashion, winning their final four matches of the season, including a critical 3-1 victory over Saint Francis in Loretto, Pennsylvania, to seal the regular season title. As the top seed, Chicago State will welcome FDU, Saint Francis, and LIU to Chicago for the NEC Tournament on November 22-23. The Cougars open the tournament against fourth-seeded LIU.
Regardless of the tournament outcome, Chicago State’s inaugural NEC season is already a success. To join a new league and claim the regular season title in year one is a testament to the team’s talent, preparation, and adaptability. With a young core led by Lagida, the Cougars have set the foundation for sustained success in the NEC.
