Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics
6-3,0-0EIVA
Daemen University (N.Y.)
3-7,0-0NEC
Pioneers Outlast Daemen in Five-Set Thriller
2/14/2026 8:56:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
Sacred Heart rallies behind balanced attack to secure 3–2 home victory
FAIRFIELD, CONN. — The Sacred Heart University Men's Volleyball Team beat the Daemen University (N.Y.) Wildcats in a thrilling five set match Saturday evening at the Pitt Center.
Records:
Sacred Heart (6-3)
Daemen (3-7)
Top Performers:
Aleksa Mandic - 18 kills
Armaan Dosanjh: 47 assists
Harryzen Soares - 14 digs
How It Happened:
Sacred Heart battled through a tightly contested opening frame that featured multiple momentum swings and long rallies. After falling behind early, the Pioneers found their rhythm behind the attacking efforts of Zach Flynn, Aleksa Mandic and Petr Beranek, who delivered key kills to trim the deficit. Strong attacking pressure from Mandic and steady distribution from Armaan Dosanjh fueled a mid-set surge that brought Sacred Heart level at 18–18. The teams traded points late, with Jaron Popp adding a crucial kill to keep the Pioneers within striking distance, but Daemen used timely side-outs in the closing moments to seal the set, 25–22.
Sacred Heart responded in Set 2 with one of its strongest offensive stretches of the match, overcoming an early deficit with balanced scoring and improved service pressure. Kills from Mandic, Beranek, and Aaron Johnson helped the Pioneers build momentum, while Dosanjh orchestrated the offense during a mid-set run that pushed Sacred Heart in front. After Daemen rallied to tie the set late, the Pioneers showed composure in extended points, with Flynn delivering a key swing and Jack Krausz contributing from the service line during the closing stretch. Sacred Heart capitalized on late errors by Daemen to complete the comeback and even the match with a 26–24 Set 2 victory.
Set 3 saw another tightly contested battle, with neither side able to separate for much of the frame. Sacred Heart used a strong serving run from Aleksa Mandic — including multiple aces — to turn a late deficit into a 20–17 advantage. The Pioneers continued to pressure Daemen with disciplined blocking and timely swings from Flynn and Beranek, maintaining control through the final points. Despite a brief Daemen push late, Sacred Heart sided out efficiently and closed the set behind a decisive kill from Beranek to secure a 25–21 win and take a 2–1 match lead.
Daemen answered in Set 4, using an early scoring run to seize control and force Sacred Heart to play from behind. The Pioneers stayed within reach thanks to kills from Flynn, Mandic, and Beranek, but Daemen's service pressure disrupted Sacred Heart's offensive rhythm during key stretches. A late push brought the Pioneers within striking distance, yet Daemen strung together crucial points down the stretch to claim the set, 25–20, sending the match to a decisive fifth.
In the winner-take-all fifth set, Sacred Heart came out aggressive and quickly built a multi-point lead behind the attacking of Mandic and Beranek. The Pioneers maintained control through the side switch, with Dosanjh distributing effectively and the front row converting in transition. Daemen attempted to rally late, but Sacred Heart continued to side out efficiently and limit errors in the closing points. A final push at the net sealed the set for the Pioneers, 15–7, completing the five-set victory.
Of Note:
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Aleksa Mandic had a game-high 18 kills.
Up Next:
Sacred Heart will start EIVA play as they travel to West Virginia to see the University of Charleston on Friday February 20th at 7:00 PM.
