By Julian Bell
Sports Writer
The FDU Women’s Volleyball team recently played against one of their toughest opponents this season – Central Connecticut, who currently holds an overall record of 14-12, swept the Knights in an 0-3 victory.
The Blue Devils also hosted a dominant match against FDU back in October. As the Knights sought to redeem themselves in an already heart-wrenching season, Central Connecticut managed to deliver FDU yet another loss on Nov. 12.
With their turbulent season finally winding down, the Knights concluded one of their final matches wounded, but not defeated.
During the opening set of the match, FDU made some impressive plays. However, despite their efforts, Central Connecticut dominated the entire match. A kill made early by FDU junior opposite hitter, Carly O’Sullivan, earned the Knights their first point of the set.
The Blue Devils responded with a kill of their own made by CCSU junior middle blocker, Maddie Smith. With the set then tied, O’Sullivan scored yet another kill, putting the Knights up 2-1.
CCSU was relentless as they executed four consecutive scoring drives. In the middle of the set, the Blue Devils then scored three additional unanswered points. FDU freshman setter, Kirstin Trabert, scored a kill soon after, but not before CCSU acquired another set of points. Collectively, the Knights held on with all their might as the Blue Devils powered through set one with a 25-17 victory over FDU.
The start of the second set provided the Knights with an opportunity to advance offensively. The Blue Devils on the other hand, refused to be shut down.
FDU continued to struggle against their opponent’s relentless offense. In the opening of the set CCSU senior opposite hitter Cassidy Stankowski, scored a kill which led to another scoring drive of four consecutive unanswered points.
The Knights’ defense, barely able to respond, was simply overwhelmed. Their offense also struggled against the Blue Devil defense. Meanwhile, their opponent rapidly accumulated points and took the second set 25-9.
The third set marked the end of the road for FDU. They continued to fight with all of their strength despite CCSU’s unmatched performance.
Knights player Carly O’Sullivan, scored another kill in the third set, along with senior middle hitter Caroline Laton.
The Blue Devils then responded with kills of their own. CCSU opposite hitter Raquel Quirarte scored two points that contributed to a four point scoring series. Though their opponent continued to dominate, FDU players Annabel Reyes and Rebecca Sabol each scored a kill at the end of the third set. The Blue Devils, who won the final set 25-18, swept the Knights in a 3-0 overall victory.
Despite the difficult loss, O’Sullivan led the Knights with seven kills while her teammate Rebecca Sabol scored five kills. Caroline Laton managed to score three kills and led FDU in aces, scoring two. Knights junior Josephine Gallagher provided 14 assists that afternoon against the Blue Devils. Annabel Reyes also led the Knights in blocks.
After coming up short in the final match of the season in a 1-3 loss against Bryant, the Women’s Volleyball team will be preparing to make adjustments for next season.
As with most of their matches, the Knights’ season has been marked by perseverance and endurance. Their long journey, which has now come to an end, will remembered as a victorious one.
After winning their first match of the season by sweeping St. Peter’s 3-0 on Sep. 28, in addition to victories over the Red Flash and NJIT earlier this year, the Knights have much to be proud of. With the proper offensive and defensive adjustments, next season will likely be more representative of their talent.
