WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis University men's volleyball took a straight set loss to LIU in the NEC Championship on Saturday.
 
>> With today's loss, the Red Flash end the season 16-12 overall and 12-2 in conference.
 
>> Blake Liprando (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) led the Red Flash on the day with 11 kills and eight digs.
 
>> Thomas Leahey (State College, Pa./State College Area) led the team in block with 3.0 total blocks.
 
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
LIU got on the board first in set one to never allow the Red Flash to lead in the first set. The Sharks claimed the first set, 25-23. LIU continued this momentum for the rest of the game for the straight set victory.
 
FLASH MOMENTS
A kill from Liprando got the Red Flash on the board first in set two for the team's first lead of the game. The second set was a very close game throughout featuring 12 tied scores. However, with the set tied at 21, LIU recorded a 2-0 run to take the lead and hold it for the remainder of the game. LIU claimed set two, 25-22.
 
The Sharks continued this momentum in the final set to get on the board first and never allow the Red Flash to lead in the third set. LIU won set three, 25-20.
 
FLASH NUGGETS
Despite the loss, the Red Flash finish the season with its best conference record and the inaugural NEC Regular Season Champions title.
 
Liprando and Leahey both earned a spot on the NEC All-Tournament team after their performances against Sacred Heart and LIU.
 
UP NEXT
With today's loss in the NEC Championship game, the Red Flash complete the 2023 season.