Box Score FAIRFIELD, CONN.-The #1 seeded Pioneers kicked off the NEC Women's Volleyball Tournament as they took on the #4 seeded Central Connecticut State Blue Devils. The Two teams have split regular season matches as both matches went into five sets, the Blue Devils taking the first and the Pioneers the second... The teams matchup for a final time to settle the score.
SET 1- The Pioneers were in a hard fought fight right off the bat as they exchanged with the Blue Devils. Senior
Sarah Krufka kicked things off with two big kills to give the Pioneers the early 4-2 lead. The match was in favor of the Pioneers and Senior
Allison Riggs made a HUGE block to give the Pio's the 12-10 lead. Central Connecticut was forced to take a timeout with the score 15-11 in favor of the Pioneers. Sacred Heart was lead in the first set by First Team All-Conference selection
Makayla Dole as she posted 5 kills. Pioneers take set one 25-19.
SET 2- Central Connecticut struck early in the second set jumping to an early 3-0 lead. SHU answered as they went on a 4-point run thanks to the help of the NEC leader in Service Aces
Ana Gonzalez. After a long rally, Senior
Maddie Losure erupted the crowd with a big kill to give the Pioneers the 11-6 lead and force CCSU to take a timeout. Sacred Heart found their rhythm late in the set as 2x NEC Player of The Year
Sarah Krufka rattled off a number of kills to take the second set 25-19.
SET 3- As both sets have been all night, the score continued to be close as the Pioneers and Blue Devils were tied 4-4 early. Neither team looked to give in, as the score bounced back and forth changing leads. Freshman
Gianna Scioletti gave the Pioneers the 8-7 lead after posting a kill, followed by a solo block. As the Pioneers jumped to a 12-8 lead, the Blue Devils refused to give in as they brought that set back to even 13-13. As the match was on the line setter
Kiki Robinson found her fellow California native
Sarah Krufka to close out the match 25-18.
The Pioneers are now in the NEC Tournament Finals and take on the winner of LIU Brooklyn, and Bryant. Game is set to start at 5:00pm Sunday November 20th.
Notable Performances-
Sarah Krufka- 10 kills, 8 digs
Gianna Scioletti- 4 kills, 2 solo blocks, 3 block assists.
Kiki Robinson- 19 assists, 14 digs.
Makayla Dole- 12 kills, 1 service ace, 12 digs
Liisel Nelis- 5 kills, 3 service aces, 6 digs.
