NEC Women’s Volleyball Power Rankings (Week 5)
1. FDU (8-5)
FDU remains in the top spot after another impressive performance, sweeping Saint Peter’s to extend their winning streak to four matches. Eleonora Tosi continues to be a standout, ranking in the NEC’s top 10 in both kills and hitting percentage. The Knights are playing some of their best volleyball right now, and they’re poised for a strong start as they enter conference play. FDU was projected to finish third in conference pre-season, but right now they’re looking like they could even exceed those expectations.
Key Player: Eleonora Tosi (2.59 kills/set, .296 hitting percentage)
2. Chicago State (4-8)
Chicago State holds onto second place as they prepare for NEC play. Despite a challenging non-conference schedule, the Cougars have shown flashes of brilliance, led by the dynamic duo of Patrycja Lagida and Julieta Sandez. Their potential remains high, and they’ll be eager to make a statement when they return to the court. They hung with good competition well in the non-conference slate; now’s their chance to prove they can hang around with their new conference.
Key Player: Patrycja Lagida (3.13 kills/set, 3.47 points/set)
3. Saint Francis U (4-8)
Saint Francis U has all the tools to make a deep run in NEC play, led by offensive powerhouses Maggie Hogan and Korrin Burns. After a well-earned break, the Red Flash are gearing up for a highly anticipated NEC opener against LIU in what promises to be one of the games of the weekend. With a strong start, SFU can quickly climb the standings and get back to that pre-season #1 ranking.
Key Player: Korrin Burns (3.81 kills/set)
4. Stonehill (4-8)
Stonehill continues to rise after a solid showing last week, splitting a doubleheader against Assumption that they could have swept in straight sets had things gone just a hair differently. Mia Berardino’s consistency at the net has been key for the Skyhawks, who are finding their rhythm just in time for NEC play. Stonehill’s potential to make noise in the conference is undeniable, and there’s plenty to be said about peaking at the right time as league play begins, as well as learning from matches like the second half of the doubleheader against Assumption last week.
Key Player: Mia Berardino (3.00 kills/set, .264 hitting percentage)
5. Central Connecticut (2-10)
Central Connecticut may not have played last week, but they’ve shown plenty of promise through strong individual performances from Lauren Milani and Weronika Poczynek in the early part of the season. With their non-conference schedule behind them and a Rookie of the Week winner like Olivia Keckler with a bright future ahead, the Blue Devils are poised to start fresh in NEC play and could surprise some teams along the way.
Key Player: Lauren Milani (0.50 aces/set)
6. LIU (2-12)
LIU has faced some tough non-conference opponents (brutal may be the better word choice here), but the Sharks are primed for a resurgence. With the league’s top defensive player in Alasha Colon anchoring their backline, LIU has the talent to turn things around. Look for the Sharks to come out strong in their NEC opener against preseason favorite Saint Francis U in what will be a thrilling matchup. Remember- the Sharks were predicted to be preseason #2. It’d be foolhardy to count them out just yet.
Key Player: Alasha Colon (4.69 digs/set)
7. Le Moyne (1-9)
Le Moyne joined most of the conference in a quiet week, but there’s every reason to believe they’re ready to turn the corner. Le Moyne certainly isn’t short on talent. With Hayley Gerken and freshmen like Jordyn Hamlin and Brooke Menke leading the offense, the Dolphins are looking forward to hitting their stride as NEC play begins. Fans should keep an eye on this team as they continue to develop and improve throughout the season.
Key Player: Brooke Menke (2.58 digs/game)
8. Mercyhurst (1-9)
Mercyhurst remains a team full of potential as they navigate the transition to D1. While their non-conference schedule hasn’t been easy on them, Paige Miller has emerged as a consistent force at the net and one of the NEC’s best players. The Lakers are working hard to find their groove and will be looking to make a strong push as they head into NEC competition.
Key Player: Paige Miller (2.73 kills/set)
Final Thoughts:
As we head into NEC play, FDU has established themselves as the team to beat, but don’t count out Chicago State or Saint Francis U, both of whom are loaded with talent and ready to make waves. Stonehill is a team on the rise, while LIU is looking to bounce back strong in a crucial opening match against SFU this weekend. With so much talent across the board, the NEC season is shaping up to be exciting from start to finish!
