NEC Blitz Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 7

1. FDU (14-5, 4-0 NEC)

FDU stays at the top with a program record 10-match winning streak and an undefeated 4-0 start in NEC play. The Knights swept Mercyhurst over the weekend, with Eleonora Tosi and Kylie Nott anchoring this red-hot squad. Mercyhurst gave a stronger challenge than outside observers may have expected, but when it came time to dig deep (pardon the pun), FDU was able to get it done and send the Lakers back to Erie empty handed. Hannah Schmidt continues to dominate from the service line, ranking second in the NEC with 0.61 aces per set. FDU’s consistency across all phases of the game makes them the team to beat as they look ahead to maintain control over the NEC standings.

2. Chicago State (8-8, 4-0 NEC)

DAAAAAAAA COUGS! Chicago State also holds a perfect conference record after two strong wins over LIU, taking both matches from the pre-season #2 squad. Julieta Sandez leads the NEC with an impressive .351 hitting percentage, while Wiktoria Zagumny’s 9.08 assists per set- by far the most in the conference- continues to set up Chicago State’s offense for success. With Patrycja Lagida’s contributions, Chicago State is establishing itself as a powerful contender alongside FDU- but you’ll have to wait until November 1st to see what has become the most anticipated series of the season.

3. Saint Francis (7-9, 3-1 NEC)

Saint Francis secured two critical wins over Central Connecticut, extending their winning streak to three and showing that they can finish matches decisively. The Blue Devils could only take one set from the Red Flash over the weekend, proving that the Red Flash are a contender in this conference. Korrin Burns continues to be an offensive force, leading the NEC with 4.02 kills per set, while Maggie Hogan ranks second in the conference in that same category. The Red Flash have strong momentum after splitting the series with LIU and handling Central Connecticut with relative comfort, making them a team to watch closely. We’ll be sure to watch them VERY closely, since we’ll be on our way to Loretto when they take on FDU on October 26th.

4. Mercyhurst (2-12, 1-3 NEC)

Despite two losses to FDU, Mercyhurst is showing signs of development in their first NEC season. The Lakers came as close as any team has to knocking off the Knights for the entire duration of their ten game undefeated stretch, taking FDU not only to a fifth set, but even leading during the final frame! With experience, they’ll learn to win these games. Paige Miller leads the team offensively with 3.13 kills per set, while Kelsie Gaiter-Davis provides steady support on defense. The Lakers will aim to leverage these tough matches to fuel progress as they adjust to NEC competition. At this point in the season, there’s FDU and everyone else. By showing that they could play tight with the Knights, Mercyhurst shoots up the rankings.

5. Stonehill (6-10, 2-2 NEC)

Stonehill split their series with Le Moyne, taking one match 3-1 and falling in four sets in the other match. They had split the previous weekend with Mercyhurst. Abby Farrell’s consistent all-around play and Mia Berardino’s offensive production, with 2.88 kills per set, are keeping Stonehill competitive. They’re currently in the middle of the standings but have the potential to climb higher as conference play continues. This weekend will be their toughest test yet, as they’re about to face a team of hungry Sharks looking to claw back up to the top of the standings.

6. LIU (4-15, 1-3 NEC)

LIU’s tough weekend in Chicago resulted in two losses to Chicago State, but they rebounded with a non-conference win against Saint Peter’s. Non-conference success has been hard for LIU to find this year, but there’s obviously a little bit of concern now that they weren’t able to get into the swing of the season as well as they might have otherwise with less power foes in the early part. Certainly, there hasn’t been much experience for the Sharks playing in longer games at this point. Alasha Colon remains a defensive standout, leading the NEC with 4.60 digs per set. The series against Stonehill this weekend will tell us a lot about the Sharks.

7. Le Moyne (2-13, 1-3 NEC)

Le Moyne earned their first conference victory by splitting their series with Stonehill, showing they have the potential to compete in our league. Anaya Rawlinson remains a bright spot, ranking fifth in hitting percentage at .305, and the Dolphins have a huge chance to make some noise this weekend when they travel to the Windy City, hoping to leave Illinois with at least one win of their own.

8. Central Connecticut (2-14, 0-4 NEC)

Central Connecticut struggled again this week, dropping two matches to a very strong Saint Francis squad. Despite the losses, Lauren Milani continues to be a key player, averaging 2.47 kills per set. The Blue Devils have talent but will need to find cohesion to make a push in the latter part of conference play.