The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women’s volleyball team began its New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) season with a 3-1 victory over Rutgers-Newark on Tuesday at the John J. Moore Athletics & Fitness Center. The match scores were 16-25, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-19.
This win marks NJCU’s second consecutive victory against Rutgers-Newark and their eleventh overall in program history. It is also the first time NJCU has defeated Rutgers-Newark in four sets.
After losing the opening set, NJCU responded by winning the next three sets to secure its third straight win of the season. The team now holds a record of 9-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. As a group, NJCU posted a .239 hitting percentage, recording 55 kills, 10 service aces, and 63 digs.
Kai Fitzpatrick led all players with 22 kills, eight digs, and four service aces for a total of 26 points. Diane Pugay contributed 16 kills, seven digs, and three blocks. Rae Marrero directed the offense with 43 assists while adding four kills and ten digs. Jenilsa Pichardo recorded eleven digs and three aces, while Elisabeth Brito collected seventeen digs.
Rutgers-Newark was led by Tracey Ilderis with thirteen kills. Jaedyn Simba-Malasarte and Cyan Long each added six kills for the Scarlet Raiders.
In the first set, Rutgers-Newark established an early lead and maintained control to win 25-16. NJCU improved its performance in the second set by reducing errors and using key runs to secure a 25-20 win. The third set was closely contested until NJCU pulled ahead late following a seven-point run. In the fourth set, after falling behind early, NJCU went on a significant run to take control and close out the match.
NJCU will return to non-conference action on Thursday, September 25th when they host St. Joseph’s University-Brooklyn at home.
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