NEC Blitz Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 8
1. FDU (16-5, 6-0 NEC)
The FDU Knights are still unstoppable, extending their winning streak to an amazing 12 matches and maintaining a perfect conference record. Led by the consistency of players like Kylie Nott and Hannah Schmidt, the Knights continue to dominate. However, teams are starting to challenge FDU, drawing them into longer games. They’ll need to stay sharp as the competition heats up with a massive showdown at Saint Francis looming this weekend. NEC Blitz will be ON SITE for that matchup, and the stakes couldn't be higher as SFU looks to defend their undefeated home record against a Knights squad already eyeing the NCAA Tournament.
2. Chicago State (10-8, 6-0 NEC)
DAAAAAA COOOUGS! The Cougars are matching FDU stride-for-stride, remaining unbeaten in conference play. Julieta Sandez has been phenomenal, leading the league in hitting percentage (.374), and Wiktoria Zagumny’s stellar setting (9.11 assists per set) has kept Chicago State’s offense humming. Chicago State looks like they’re on a collision course with FDU for the regular-season title, but until that anticipated November showdown, they’ll keep dominating whoever comes their way.
3. Saint Francis (9-9, 5-1 NEC)
The Red Flash are peaking at the perfect time, riding a five-match win streak into their high-stakes battle with FDU this Saturday. They’ve only lost one conference game, on the road to a feisty Long Island team that has also been charging up the rankings. Korrin Burns and Maggie Hogan are leading the charge, both ranking among the NEC’s top offensive players. With an undefeated record at home, SFU has been impossible to beat in Loretto, and they’ll be ready to challenge the top-ranked Knights this weekend for their annual Dig Pink game. This is the game that could truly shake up the conference standings, and it’s the one you won’t want to miss! It’ll be on NEC Front Row, and I’m sure I’ve mentioned it by now (maybe just once or twice)- we’re going to be there to make sure it gets the coverage that this clash deserves.
4. LIU (7-15, 3-3 NEC)
The Sharks are surging, having won four straight matches, including two over Stonehill. Alasha Colon’s defensive dominance continues, as she leads the conference with 4.53 digs per set. LIU is starting to put things together and could be a dark horse in the race to the NEC tournament. With momentum building, they’re looking to finish the season strong and secure a solid spot in the standings and a stake in the final four for a place in the NCAA Tournament.
5. Mercyhurst (2-14, 1-5 NEC)
Mercyhurst’s first NEC season has been a struggle at times, but they’ve shown flashes of promise. Despite their record, they’ve played some of the top teams tough, especially FDU, who they took to the brink. While Saint Francis fared better, it’s clear that Mercyhurst can compete in the big leagues. Paige Miller remains the offensive leader for the Lakers, and they’ll be aiming to snag more conference wins as they adapt to the NEC’s competitive environment.
6. Stonehill (6-12, 2-4 NEC)
It’s been a rough stretch for Stonehill, with three straight losses putting them in a tough spot. However, Abby Farrell continues to be a standout for the Skyhawks, and they’ve shown they can compete in most matches. With a few adjustments, they have the potential to turn things around and make a late push for the postseason. It’s certainly too late to count out Stonehill yet.
7. Le Moyne (2-15, 1-5 NEC)
Le Moyne has had its struggles, but some of the youth like Jordyn Hamlin (Frosh) and Branwyn Lupton (Soph) have kind of hinted at what we’re going to see from the Dolphins in years to come. Anaya Rawlinson continues to shine with a .298 hitting percentage. They’re still looking for more wins, but there’s no doubt they’re laying a foundation for future success in the NEC.
8. Central Connecticut (2-16, 0-6 NEC)
CCSU has yet to find their stride in conference play, currently sitting on a 10-match losing streak. But they’ve got talent in players like Lauren Milani, and while the wins haven’t come, there’s always the possibility of turning things around in the closing stretch of the season. The Blue Devils have the pieces—they just need to put them together.
