St. Francis loses to #9 Canisius 1-3 in MMAA Semifinals

The Red Raiders entered the MMAA playoffs as the #3 seed looking to avenge early season losses to #2 seeded Cansius.  The Red Raiders played feisty all night long but were unable to secure the win losing 22-25, 15-25, 25-22, and 19-25 to end their 2023 Fall season.  The Red Raiders had the lead late in game one 20-19 but were unable to withstand a flurry of serves from the Crusaders and saw the lead fade and ultimately slip away losing 22-25.  In game two, the Red Raiders battled and although the scoreboard read 15-25, there were many long rallies and spectacular volleyball on display by both teams.  Despite the 0-2 deficit, the Red Raiders jumped out to a commanding 19-9 lead and were able to hold on to a 25-22 game three victory.  With momentum swinging back to the red and white, game four was a back and forth battle in which the Red Raiders fell short 19-25.  In all four games, the Red Raiders had leads but just could not put the Crusaders away.  

Junior Charlie Allesi had a stellar game leading the Red Raiders with 18 kills, 4 blocks, and 13 digs.  In his first career MMAA playoff game, freshman Tristan Kolek was a force on the outside pin with 13 kills, 1 block, and 7 digs.  Senior Jacob Gearhart had a great game out of the middle with 5 kills, 5 blocks, 2 assists , 1 ace, and 10 digs.  Junior Payton Mitchell was a blocking machine with 5 blocks, 3 kills, and 1 dig.  Sophomore Luke Lanning had 4 kills and 1 block, senior Noah Cervoni had 4 kills, while sophomore Aidan Wallace had 16 assists and 1 ace  and senior Nicholas Szpylman had 12 assists and 1 ace.  Junior Logan Burns was excellent in the back row adding 11 digs.   

The season ends with the Red Raiders earning a 7-13 overall record, and a 3-7 record in the MMAA League.  With postseason awards and honors to come, some Red Raiders will be recognized for their outstanding play on the court, while the entire team should be complimented for their effort and dedication to the volleyball program.