Red Flash Snap FDU’s 13 Game Winning Streak in 4 Sets

In a match where every point felt like a battle, the FDU Knights dropped their first NEC game of the season to the Saint Francis Red Flash in a four-set thriller (25-17, 18-25, 25-18, 30-28). The loss snaps FDU’s impressive 13-match win streak, but the Knights didn’t go down without leaving it all on the court in the intense environment of DeGol Arena. The intensity was brought by the fans, some attending because of the significance of the game as the “Dig Pink” game, but also by the benches of both squads. In particular, FDU’s bench was the loudest I can ever remember hearing (that’s a compliment) but the gamesmanship from both sides during services added energy to the match that just doesn’t translate over the airwaves.

Let’s talk about the numbers—the ones that added up to a night of drama, excitement, and ultimately, FDU’s first conference defeat. From the start, FDU and Saint Francis were locked in a high-octane battle that showcased why both teams sit near the top of the NEC standings. The intensity in DeGol Arena was palpable, with fans on the edge of their seats, feeling the gravity of every set.

- 16: FDU’s Avery Bain led all players with 16 kills, delivering a consistent offensive performance that kept her team in the match. She was the Knights' go-to hitter, showing her ability to rise to the occasion in key moments. She also looked the part of the heart and soul of the FDU team, being a vocal leader in the huddle and pregame.

- 13: Red Flash setter Alexandra Sappia dished out an incredible 53 assists, setting a new career-high, while Saint Francis’ defense was anchored by Raegan Rosi, who led the team with 13 digs.

- 30-28: The fourth set was a heart-stopper, with both teams exchanging blows and pushing the game to its absolute limit. FDU had opportunities to extend the match, but every time the Red Flash found an answer, especially on the final match point.

For FDU, tonight’s match marked their first NEC loss of the season, falling to 7-1 in conference play. The loss wasn’t without its positives, however, as senior setter Hannah Schmidt reached a career milestone, logging her 2,500th career assist in the match. Schmidt, alongside freshman standout Angela Marchetto, helped drive the Knights' offense. Marchetto was nearly flawless, tallying 9 kills on 13 attempts with zero errors, finishing the match with a stunning .692 hitting percentage.

But the numbers alone don’t capture the heart of this match. The energy and tension inside DeGol Arena were electric, with every serve, block, and dig greeted by roars from the Red Flash faithful. It was a perfect setting to snap FDU’s win streak—and the Knights, to their credit, battled to the very end, showing exactly why they’ve been so dominant this season.

The fourth set is one I will remember for a long time. With FDU leading 25-24, they were on the brink of pushing the match to a fifth set. Laney Wilson’s attack for Saint Francis was initially defended by FDU, but the ball slipped out of bounds, tying the set at 25-25.

From there, the set became a back-and-forth duel. Avery Bain delivered a clutch kill to give FDU set point at 26-25, but Saint Francis’ Korrin Burns had other plans. Burns not only saved the set with a kill but also provided a crucial block with teammate Drew Wallech to take the lead 29-28. With the fans on their feet, the reserves standing, shouting, and cheering, and both teams pushing their limits, McClure fired a shot that landed on the Knights' side, securing the win for Saint Francis.

For those who have never experienced NEC volleyball, matches like these are a testament to the intensity and importance of the sport. These aren’t just regular games for the athletes involved. These are scholarship athletes, giving everything they’ve got for their universities, their teammates, and their communities. The dedication and resilience on display in a match like this are a reminder that, despite the big business of college sports, moments like these are at the heart of what it means to be a part of a university community.

Saint Francis proved tonight that they can rise to the occasion, while FDU showed they are still a force to be reckoned with in the NEC. The numbers may say that FDU lost 3-1, but it was the tight-knit competition and the relentless determination from both teams that defined this match.