(New York, NY)  This weekend proved difficult for the Tigers as they faced their first two conference losses to long standing rivals Suffolk Community College and Nassau Community college. FIT fought hard against Suffolk who they defeated last year for the regional title and a chance to compete at Nationals. Although they lost in three sets the scores ultimately reflect the all out battle with sets ending 24-26, 25-27 and 29-31. FIT scored 78 points in total, 3 points more than a team would usually score if they won in three normal sets to 25, while Suffolk had to score 84 points, 9 points more than usual to claim the victory. Freshman outside hitter, Jenna Dickey, couldn't touch the ball without getting a point, posting a personal best with 27 kills, 11 of which came from one set alone. Sophomore setter Michelle Vainblat helped everyone out by setting 37 assists throughout the match while freshman middle blocker Kelly McLoughlin had a total of 5 blocks. All in all, the match left the Tigers feeling hungry for more, keeping them looking ahead to a possible rematch for the regional title again.

After their battle with Suffolk CC, the mentally and physically drained FIT took on Nassau Community college and ultimately lost in three sets (20-25, 20-25, and 21-25). Dickey, again, led to offense with 18 kills with freshman middle blocker Darina Relyea adding 6 kills. Julia Corbett was close behind with 5 kills of her own. Nathalie Albersmeyer held down the Tiger's defense with 13 digs while Dickey helped with 11 digs herself. The weekend as a whole was an eye opener for FIT who had yet to face a loss in league play this year however, with regional's only weeks away, the wake up call could not come at a better time.  The Tigers will have to reset and dig deep in order to reach their goals and repeat a trip to the National tournament this year.