A Shot at Redemption: Sacred Heart Draws Charleston in EIVA Tournament Return
4/21/2026 2:01:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Sacred Heart is back where it hasn't been in nearly a decade, and this time, the Pioneers aren't just happy to be there.
After finishing the 2026 regular season 10-15 overall and 3-9 in EIVA play, Sacred Heart has earned the No. 5 seed in the EIVA Championship Tournament, marking the program's first appearance in the conference postseason since 2017. The Pioneers will open tournament play on April 22 against No. 4 seed Charleston in a matchup that carries both recent history and a chance at redemption.
Charleston (13-14, 4-8 EIVA) swept Sacred Heart earlier this season in West Virginia, extending the Golden Eagles' edge in the all-time series to 7-5 and handing the Pioneers a four-match losing streak in the matchup. But postseason volleyball presents a clean slate—and Sacred Heart enters with momentum and belief after a season that has already exceeded expectations.
Picked to finish last in the preseason poll, the Pioneers instead climbed into the playoff field, fueled by a mix of returning experience and emerging playmakers. Fourteen players returned from last year's squad that went winless in conference play, and that continuity has translated into a more competitive and resilient group.
Leading the charge is junior outside hitter Aleksa Mandic, an All-EIVA Second Team selection who has been the focal point of the offense. Mandic leads the team with 283 kills and 45 service aces, averaging 3.45 kills per set while consistently delivering in high-pressure moments. Alongside him, Petr Beranek has provided a steady secondary option, totaling 195 kills and earning All-EIVA Honorable Mention honors.
Defensively, Sacred Heart has leaned on its libero duo of Harryzen Soares and Gian Paolo Pido. Soares leads the team with 172 digs and has been nearly flawless in serve receive, while Pido has added stability in the back row and earned EIVA Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier this season.
The challenge, however, will be significant. Charleston ranks among the top teams in the EIVA statistically, sitting second in kills (1,144) and first in assists per set (11.27). The Golden Eagles also boast strong all-around numbers, ranking near the top of the conference in hitting percentage, blocks, service aces, and defensive categories. Max Niessen leads their attack, while Yotam Briger orchestrates the offense and contributes defensively.
For Sacred Heart, the key will be matching that offensive efficiency while maintaining the defensive intensity that has kept them competitive against top teams. The Pioneers pushed No. 15 Penn State to the brink in back-to-back five-set matches earlier this month and battled nationally ranked NJIT in their final regular season series, showing they can compete with the conference's best.
Now, the stage shifts to Rec Hall, where every point carries postseason weight. With a win, Sacred Heart would advance to face top-seeded Penn State in the semifinals—another opportunity to prove just how far the program has come.
It's been years since the Pioneers stepped onto the EIVA tournament stage. This time, they arrive tested, experienced, and ready to chase more than just a spot in the bracket.
