Box score

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ—The host Pirates of Seton Hall sailed past NJIT in the first match of the SHU Invitational women's volleyball tournament, defeating the Highlanders 3-0 (25-15, 25-10, 25-14) Friday midday.

The Pirates, who won all three sets comfortably, got 17 kills from senior Meghan Matusiak and 11 more from freshman Stacey Manthorpe. Her sister, setter Shelbey Manthorpe finished with 37 assists, one shy of a career high for the freshman. Shelbey was the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010 as a high school senior.

Matusiak also notched three service aces, leading Seton Hall to a 7-1 advantage in that area, a part of the game that is usually a strength for NJIT (entered the match with a 60-47 lead in aces). 

On defense, Stacey Manthorpe had 13 digs and Alyssa Warren had 11 and at the net, the Pirates had eight team blocks to five for the Highlanders. SHU's individual blocking leader was Hannah Hugeback, with six (1 solo, 5 assists). 

The only Highlanders with double-figure kills was Janet Snell, at 11. Anna Mercado finished with 16 assists and she also had the only service ace for NJIT. Audrey Snell led the floor defense with nine digs, while Fernanda Lima picked up a team-best three blocks, all assisted. 

NJIT will stay in the deep end of the pool later on Friday in the SHU Invitational, as the Highlanders are set to meet TCU at 4 pm. TCU comes into the day with a 10-0 record and will face Boston College at 1 pm before taking on NJIT. The Highlanders will face Boston College on Saturday at noon.