NEC Women’s Volleyball Power Rankings: Week 1 Recap
As the 2024 volleyball season gets underway, the NEC teams have showcased a mix of high-caliber performances and tough battles. With LIU dominating the weekly awards, other teams also made their presence felt in both non-conference play and key matchups. Here's how the teams stack up after Week 1.
1. LIU (1-3)
Despite a tough start to the season with three losses, LIU's talent and resilience have them sitting atop the power rankings. Led by NEC Player of the Week Camelia Melendez and Defensive Player of the Week Alasha Colon, the Sharks showed fight in back-to-back five-set matches. LIU bounced back in a thrilling five-set win against Quinnipiac, with standout performances from Melendez, who recorded her 1,000th career kill, and freshman Bella Correia, who earned Rookie of the Week honors.
Key Players: Camelia Melendez (3.39 kills/set), Alasha Colon (4.89 digs/set)
2. FDU (1-2)
FDU secured a five-set victory over Radford in their season opener but dropped back-to-back matches to Temple and Rider. Graduate middle blocker Eleonora Tosi, named to the Cherry and White All-Tournament Team, delivered a standout performance with 21 kills in their win. FDU looks strong, with libero Emily Van O'Lynda continuing to anchor the defense after surpassing 500 career digs.
Key Players: Eleonora Tosi (3.17 kills/set), Emily Van O'Lynda (4.50 digs/set)
3. Saint Francis U (1-3)
Saint Francis U experienced a mixed start, dropping three matches but securing a 3-1 win over Morgan State. Outside hitter Maggie Hogan leads the NEC in kills per set (3.73) and points per set (4.17), proving to be a dominant force on offense. The Red Flash will look to improve their form as the season progresses, with Hogan’s consistency keeping them competitive.
Key Player: Maggie Hogan (3.73 kills/set, 4.17 points/set)
4. Stonehill (1-2)
Stonehill recorded a thrilling five-set victory over Holy Cross but suffered losses to Purdue Fort Wayne and Siena. Junior outside hitter Mia Berardino was the key player in their win, delivering 16 kills and three service aces. Stonehill showed flashes of brilliance and will aim to climb higher in the rankings as the season progresses.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (3.00 kills/set, .277 hitting percentage)
5. Mercyhurst (0-2)
Mercyhurst struggled in their first two matches, losing to UMES twice. The Lakers have potential but will need to improve their execution to turn things around in the coming weeks. Alyssa Krause and Andrea Zaric are both in the top 5 in the NEC for service aces. They're the only squad in the conference that can make that claim.
6. Central Connecticut (0-2)
The Blue Devils had a tough opening weekend, falling to Coppin State and Niagara in straight sets. Central Connecticut struggled to find rhythm offensively, but they'll have an opportunity to regroup with upcoming non-conference matchups. A few bright spots on defense could give them a chance to improve.
7. Chicago State (0-2)
Chicago State faced two tough opponents in Bowling Green and Cincinnati, suffering 0-3 losses in both matches. Sophomore outside hitter Patrycja Lagida provided solid contributions with 3.00 kills per set, but the team will need to pick up their pace to compete at a higher level in the NEC.
Key Player: Patrycja Lagida (3.00 kills/set)
8. Le Moyne (0-3)
Le Moyne had a rough opening week, going winless in three matches without taking a set. Their matches against Lafayette, Canisius, and NJIT revealed gaps in their game, but the season is still young. They’ll look to regroup and develop as they continue through non-conference play.
Final Thoughts
The NEC volleyball season is just getting started, and while LIU appears to be the early favorite with multiple top performers, there’s plenty of room for teams like FDU, Saint Francis U, and Stonehill to climb the rankings. With the season still in its infancy, every match is an opportunity for teams to make a statement and refine their gameplay heading into conference play.
Stay tuned for more weekly updates as NEC volleyball heats up!
