DAAAAA Cougs Win the NEC in Year 1
Chicago State University’s women’s volleyball team completed an improbable journey by winning the NEC championship in their first season in the league. With a 3-0 sweep of FDU in the final, the Cougars claimed the title, capping a historic season that defied expectations at every turn.
The Cougars’ championship run is even more remarkable considering their roster size: just nine players, the smallest squad in the conference. Yet, with their backs against the wall all season, the team turned what could have been a disadvantage into an inspirational story of resilience and teamwork.
Chicago State’s victory over FDU was a dominant display, with the Cougars winning 25-16, 25-17, and 25-19. The final, held at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, showcased the Cougars’ well-rounded attack and defensive tenacity. Karly Klaer and Julieta Sandez led the offense with 10 kills apiece, while setter Wiktoria Zagumny orchestrated the attack with 31 assists. Defensively, Andrea Calderon’s 14 digs and Sandez’s three blocks helped stifle FDU’s efforts.
Throughout the season, Chicago State’s success was driven by their ability to adapt and overcome challenges despite the small roster size. The Cougars went 13-1 in NEC play and a perfect 10-0 at home, thriving under the leadership of head coach Tony Trifonov. Their balanced roster included players from all over the world, including Argentina, Poland, Turkey, and Peru, whose diverse styles meshed into a cohesive unit.
The championship match exemplified their season-long themes of efficiency and teamwork. The Cougars outhit FDU with a .291 attack percentage compared to the Knights’ .155. Despite being out-aced 7-6, Chicago State’s superior net play and back-row defense carried the day.
What makes Chicago State’s championship even more astonishing is the context of their transition to the NEC. This season marked their debut in the conference after competing as an independent. Many doubted their ability to compete immediately, especially with such a small roster. But the Cougars answered every question, taking down conference heavyweights and displaying remarkable consistency.
Their journey to the title was punctuated by key wins, including a sweep of LIU and a crucial five-set victory over Saint Francis to close the regular season. Their lone NEC loss came in a split series against FDU earlier in November, but Chicago State avenged that defeat when it mattered most.
The Cougars were led all season by a balanced offense. Patrycja Lagida topped the team with 339 kills on the year, while Klaer added 275 and Zahara Quraishi contributed 227. Zagumny’s 948 assists were the engine of the attack, and Calderon anchored the defense with 452 digs. At the net, Sandez’s 100 blocks were a crucial presence for a team that often found itself in close battles.
In a season defined by heart, Chicago State did more than win matches—they redefined what was possible for a team operating with limited resources. Their championship is a testament to the power of personnel ultimately mattering more than budgets or athletic department size. At the end of the day, Chicago State won because of who they were, not what they weren’t.
As they look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, the Cougars will carry the same underdog spirit that fueled their historic NEC run. Whether they face a powerhouse program or another upstart, Chicago State has already proven they belong on the biggest stage. The NEC champions may be small in number, but they’ve shown they are anything but small in heart.
