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Loretto, PA – Back in a familar road setting, Daemen made itself right at home in another championship-winning effort.

The third-seeded Wildcats following a familiar script to claim their second consecutive NEC title, posting a 25-22, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22 win at top-seeded Saint Francis U. For the second year in a row, Daemen came in as an underdog only to knocked off the regular-season champs in Loretto.

The tournament was presented by First Point Volleyball Foundation.

Daemen outside hitter Billy Wieberg was named NEC Tournament MVP after compiling a double-double with a game-high 15 kills to go along with 10 digs. He hit .400 on the night and added three blocks to his terrific all-around ffort.

In the first set, the two teams went point-for-point until Daemen went on a 4-0 run and led the rest of the way to take the set, 25-22, capped by a kill from all-NEC first team outside hitter Zach Schneider.

The two squads were once again evenly matched to start the second set, but the Red Flash were able to separate themselves from the Wildcats. going up 20-14. Brady Stump recorded four of his match-high 14 kills in the second set and score the deciding point in a 25-21 win.

It was all Daemen in the third set as they pounced on the Red Flash, opening up an 11-3 lead. The Wildcats did not let up, pulling away for a 25-15 win to put themselves on the brink of the title. Daemen hit a scorching .500 in the set.

Daemen picked up right where they left off in the fourth set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. All-NEC second team middle blocker Maverick O’Neil recorded two of his match-high five blocks in that 7-2 run for Daemen. After falling behind 23-17, Saint Francis U went on a 5-1 run to pull with two points, but O’Neil hammered home the game-winning kill to seal the day in a 25-22 fourth-set victory.

Schneider finished with a double-double of his own, tallying 12 kills and a match-high 13 digs. Setter rang up 36 assists and added seven digs for the Wildcats.

Stump led the way for the Red Flash with 14 kills. He also contributed a pair of aces and seven digs. Kyle Charles registered 31 assists.

Daemen will find out who their next opponent is on Sunday, April 27 at 4:00 pm ET during the NCAA Selection Show, which will stream live on NCAA.com. Opening round matches will be played on Friday, May 2, with first round matches taking place on Thursday, May 8.

All-Tournament Team
Billy Wieberg, DAE (MVP)
Jariel Giraud, DAE
Zach Schneider, DAE
Andrew Deardorff, SFU
Brady Stump, SFU
Dylan McFadden, FDU
Kale Spencer, LIU