Pirates Fall to Fordham in Four Sets to Conclude Non-Conference Play

Published: Saturday, September 21, 2024

by Tommy Fee

BRONX, N.Y. – Tonight, the Pirates faced a tough Fordham team to conclude non-conference play, falling three sets to one. The loss dropped Seton Hall to 6-5, while the Rams won their first home match, improving to 4-5 on the season.

The first set saw Fordham seize control early, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Pirates, however, were not quick to fold, chipping away at the deficit and pulling within one point at 11-10. Despite their efforts, Seton Hall’s momentum waned, and they were unable to fully close the gap. Fordham’s balanced attack and effective blocking helped them secure the first set 25-20. The Pirates struggled to find consistent rhythm, and the Rams capitalized on unforced errors, keeping Seton Hall from getting into an offensive groove.

The Pirates responded with more vigor in the second set, engaging in what became a thrilling back-and-forth battle. The frame saw over 10 lead changes and a remarkable 20 ties, as both teams exchanged blows, fighting for every point. The Pirates showed resilience, particularly in their serving and defense, which helped them stay neck-and-neck with the Rams throughout the set. Late in the frame, the Pirates held a 23-22 advantage and seemed poised to even up the match. But Fordham surged ahead in the critical moments, reeling off the last three points to win 25-23, leaving Seton Hall down two sets to none. The inability to close out sets, a theme throughout the match, proved to be a key factor in this tightly contested second frame.

The Pirates showed resilience in the third set, overcoming an early 4-0 deficit. An ace from Maddie Klungel put them ahead 19-18, and although Fordham regained the lead at 23-22, Seton Hall rattled off three straight points to claim the set 25-23, keeping the match alive. Steady play from Perri Lucas, Klungel, and Reagan Merk helped the Pirates stay composed under pressure.

In the fourth set, Seton Hall built a commanding 12-7 lead after an impressive 11-2 run. However, Fordham responded with a 6-11 run of their own to tie the set at 18. Despite leading 22-21, the Pirates ran out of steam, allowing Fordham to take the final four points and win the set 25-22, sealing the match.

Despite the loss, the Pirates had several standout performers. Perri Lucas led the team with 17 efficient kills, Regan Merk contributed 13 kills and digs, and Maddie Klungel set a career high with 50 assists. The Pirates held strong leads throughout the match and battled back against seemingly insurmountable deficits. However, their main challenge was finishing late-set points and maintaining energy in critical moments.

Though this match was a setback, the Pirates showed they have the ability to fight for momentum, which will be crucial as Big East play approaches. Seton Hall finishes non-conference play with a 6-5 record, securing the 8th seed in a competitive Big East conference. The Pirates will head to Queens for their next match, facing St. John’s on Friday, September 27th, with the first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Tommy Fee can be reached at thomas.fee@student.shu.edu. 

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