The women’s volleyball team travels to Chicago this week to compete at the 2024 NEC Tournament. SFU is the No. 3 seed in the tournament and will face No. 2 seed FDU in the first round on Friday at 8 p.m.
In the other opening-round match, top-seed and host Chicago State will take on LIU at 3 p.m. on Friday.
The Flash hosted Chicago State for a pair of matches last weekend on Nov. 15-16, dropping both decisions to the Cougars, 3-1 and 3-2.
If SFU had swept last week’s matches against Chicago State, the team would have hosted this week’s conference tournament. Despite the losses, the Flash turned in two strong performances in their final action of the regular season.
“I think the fans helped the level of play,” said outside hitter Reagan Rosi. “We fed off the crowd being loud.”
Junior Kori McClure agreed.
“I think our fans bring such an amazing energy, which we all feed off of,” said the junior outside hitter. “When our energy is up, we play better.”
Junior Korrin Burns posted a combined 50 kills in last week’s matches against Chicago State, including a season-high 27 last Saturday.
Alexandra Sappia finished the weekend action with 99 assists.
McClure recorded 12 kills and three blocks in the 3-2 loss to the Cougars.
“I think this weekend proved that we are more than capable to compete and even beat Chicago State,” said McClure. “I think the hurt we felt losing to them gives us an edge for when we see them again.”
Last Saturday’s match was also Senior Night for the Red Flash. Seniors Emma Fenton, Drew Wallech, Maggie Hogan and Christine Covello were honored before the game for their contributions to the program.
“Every game is special, but Senior Night has a bit more meaning,” said McClure.
All of this weekend’s action from Chicago State will be streamed on NEC FrontRow. Friday’s winners will face each other in the NEC championship match on Saturday at 7 p.m.
“We have always said we play better as the underdogs,” said McClure.
