Flash Points: 

• Rematch of the NEC Quarterfinal from a year ago
• FDU was picked to win the NEC in a split pre-season poll
• SFU plays its first two conference games on the road

LORETTO, PA- Saint Francis women's soccer will open Northeast Conference play this weekend on the road as they take on defending NEC champion Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday at noon. 

ABOUT THE FLASH
Saint Francis finished non-conference play at 2-9 on the season, an identical record to FDU. The Red Flash were picked to finish fourth in the NEC in the pre-season poll, which is the poll holds true to form, would pit them against FDU in the conference quarterfinal, just like last season. The Knights won that high-scoring match 7-4 en route to the conference regular season and tourney title. Balance has been the key offensively for the Flash has four different players have scored a goal, led by Sara Suler (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory). Defensively, the Flash have gotten strong goalkeeping from Julia Hernan (Pottstown, Pa./The Hill School). The sophomore has a .740 save percentage and is currently sixth in the nation in total saves with 71. Saint Francis will be looking for its first victory at FDU since the 2012 season, having lost in 2014 and in last year's quarterfinal. 

ABOUT THE KNIGHTS
The Knights come into the match at 2-9 as well. The Knights were picked to win the NEC, edging Central Connecticut on poll points. This season, the Knights have returned their high-octane offense, averaging over a goal per game. However, defensively, they allowed over three goals per match through their non-conference play. Elma Kolenovic leads the team with five goals and Jessi Reinhardt has added three. In goal, the Knights have turned to both Amanda Fitzgerald and Julie Prentice, with Fitzgerald getting the majority of the play. Collectively, they have played to a .67 save percentage and a 3.16 goals against average. 

FOLLOW ALONG
Sunday's NEC opener will be streamed on NEC Front Row and live stats will be provided by FDU. Both links can be found on the women's soccer schedule page. 

LOOKING AHEAD
The Flash will have their first two-match NEC week next weekend when they travel to Robert Morris on Friday and host Mount St. Mary's on Sunday. Friday's match at RMU is set for 3 p.m.