Farmingdale State opened its 2026 women's volleyball season Tuesday night with a competitive start against FDU-Florham, but the Rams ultimately fell 3-1 in Madison, N.J. Farmingdale came out strong in the opening set, overcoming a closely contested start before closing on a 7-2 run to take the frame, 25-20. Junior outside hitter Samantha Russo was a major factor early and throughout the match, finishing with a team-high 14 kills while adding 21 digs for a double-double. Junior right side Leslie Wandmacher also made an immediate impact in her Farmingdale debut, recording 12 kills and a solo block as the Rams took an early 1-0 advantage.
FDU-Florham answered in the second set, using a late push to even the match at one set apiece with a 25-22 victory. Genevieve Fitch led the Devils offensively with 15 kills and 11 digs, while Mackenzie Crandall added 13 kills as FDU began to find more consistency at the net. For Farmingdale, senior setter Sarah Rende helped keep the Rams' offense moving with 27 assists, seven digs and two service aces, while freshman Andrea Bilello also recorded two aces. Samantha DiBiasi provided a strong defensive presence in the back row with a team-high 26 digs, helping Farmingdale stay within striking distance despite FDU's offensive momentum.
The match shifted decisively in the third set as FDU-Florham pulled away for a 25-12 win. The Devils built a 20-10 advantage and did not allow Farmingdale to mount a significant comeback, with FDU committing no attack errors in the set. The hosts carried that momentum into the fourth, using an 8-0 run that included three kills from Laci Merz to secure a 25-18 victory and close out the match. FDU finished with 98 digs, matching Farmingdale's total, while Farmingdale received additional defensive contributions from Valerie Rios Santos with 12 digs and Allison Salinas with 10. Despite the loss, Farmingdale saw several promising individual performances in its season opener, with Russo, Wandmacher, Rende and DiBiasi establishing themselves as key contributors moving forward.